Nissan Motor Co. reported a 28 percent increase in U.S. auto sales for December, growth that outpaced the broader industry, as car and truck sales each notched large gains.

Japan’s second-biggest car maker by worldwide sales volume after Toyota Motor Corp. reported it sold 93,730 vehicles during the month, up from 73,404 a year earlier and 31 percent more than November. Car sales grew 26 percent, while truck sales were up 32 percent.

Sales at Nissan’s larger namesake division improved 26 percent, while Infiniti’s increased 37 percent. The Sentra, Armada, Rogue and Versa saw big gains, with the latter two setting new December sales records.

December had 27 selling days, one less than last year.

U.S. auto sales rose in December for the 11th straight month and likely hit their strongest pace of the year, as the Detroit Three reported solid increases. The growth in U.S. new-vehicle sales comes after the industry saw sales fall dramatically during the financial crisis.

Nissan, which is outsold by peer Honda Motor Co.  in the U.S., also reported it sold 19 of its Leaf all-electric car, which it began rolling out in December. Nissan is counting on the vehicle to help create a new image for the company.

The company’s American depositary shares climbed 2.7 percent, to $19.66, in afternoon trading.