General Motors posted a 7.5 percent rise in U.S. auto sales in December on Tuesday, capping a year of gradual recovery for the industry overall that is expected to continue in the new year.

GM said sales rose 16 percent in its four remaining U.S. brands in December from a year earlier, led by percentage gains in Buick and GMC. Retail sales to consumers jumped in the month and it reduced sales to rental car companies.