Chrysler led the Big Three in U.S. Auto Sales for 2012 and December

DETROIT (WXYZ) - The Auburn Hills-based automaker is reporting its strongest annual sales since 2007.

Chrysler -- a subsidiary of Italian-based Fiat -- is reporting U.S. sales up 21% for 2012.  It's December sales were also the best they've been in five years -- up 10% compared to December of 2011.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV, Ram pickup, and Chrysler 300 led the way.

In contrast, General Motors' U.S. sales went up 3.7% in 2012.

GM's December sales rose almost 5% from December 2011.

You can look at GM's top-selling vehicle to see part of the problem. 

Sales of the Chevy Silverado pickup truck rose less than 1% for the year.

Weak truck sales also impacted Ford.  The Dearborn-based automaker reported sales up 5% for the eyar with December sales up 2% compared to December 2011.

Its F-Series pickup truck sales were basically flat last month and sales were the new Ford Escape fell 21-%.  The Escape had been hit with several recalls.

A highlight for Ford comes in the sales of its small cars.

The Ford Focus saw December sales shoot up 58% while sales of the Fiesta subcompact jumped 53% in the last month of 2012.

Overall, at least all of the Detroit 3 were in positive territory for the year.