U.S. auto sales could top an annual rate of 10.8 million in November, General Motors Co.’s top sales analyst said Thursday. That would mark the first month this year that sales jumped to such levels without the aid of Cash for Clunkers rebates, which boosted sales in July and August. Executive Director of Market Analysis Mike DiGiovanni says the industry is having a solid sales month through the first 19 days of November, another sign that the economy is beginning a slow recovery from recession. He also said GM could see its fourth straight month of market share gains in November.

Others are a bit less bullish. The Edmunds.com automotive Web site forecasts an annual light vehicle sales rate of 10.3 million and J.D. Power and Associates predicts 10.2 million.