According to analysts, U.S. auto sales in 2013 reached 15.6 million new cars and trucks, up nearly 8% from 2012. J.D. Power and Associates has predicted U.S. auto sales of about 16.2 million cars and light trucks, including fleet sales in 2014, an increase of 4% from 2013. If the predictions prove true, it will be the first time since 2007 that sales surpassed 16 million vehicles. The growth in the automotive retail section is a positive sign for the U.S. economy overall, and shows consumer confidence is improving. The increase in auto sales has been boosted by several variables including inexpensive credit terms, an improved selection of vehicles, a surge in leasing and pent-up demand for new vehicles due to an increasingly aging vehicle fleet.