U.S. auto sales are expected to build off the tremendous increases found, nationally, in 2012. Light-vehicle sales continue to be a bright spot in the U.S. and global economies. Now that Congress has avoided the “fiscal cliff” and the massive tax increases that would have hit 96% of U.S. workers, 2013 vehicle sales are expected to be another step forward toward a stable and sustainable growth rate for autos.According to R.L. Polk & Co., sales of new vehicles will grow further this year as an improving economy and demand for pickups and midsize cars boosts registrations a predicted 6.6%. Polk predicts new light-vehicle sales will be about 15.3 million in 2013, up a bit less than 1 million units over 2012.While the growth rate may be less than that in 2012, the industry has already regained much of the volume lost to the recession.