Massive hiring by several vehicle manufacturers is a telling sign that the auto industry has straightened out of its skid. General Motors and Honda are looking for a combined 3,500 new workers, and Volkswagen added 2,000 employees at a new plant.

The AP reports the industry’s hiring rate outpaces other sectors of the sluggish economy. The industry’s current level of 700,000 employees is a 12 percent rise from 2009. Customers are helping out by buying a projected 13 million rides this year, up from 10.4 million in 2009.

If you’re involved with the auto industry, how has the culture changed over the past couple years?

Auto industry, seeing new life, on hiring spree [AP via MSNBC]

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