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TORONTO – Canadian auto sales hit a record in 2013, helping drive the broader economy just four years after the near collapse of the industry.

“It took more than a decade, but finally the previous high of 2002 has been eclipsed,” said Dennis DesRosiers, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants president.

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Canadians shrugged off record personal debt levels and a lukewarm economy to purchase 1.743 million vehicles last year, up 4% year-over-year and eclipsing the previous peak of 1.703 million units sold in 2002, Mr. DesRosiers said.

Ford Motor Co. of Canada remained the top-selling manufacturer in the country for a fourth consecutive year with its highest annual sales since 1997.

Ford’s sales increased 3% in December to 16,161 units during the month, adding to the near 3% gains it saw year-over-year in 2013 to 283,588 vehicles.

Those gains were aided by the F-Series pick up truck once again being the top-selling vehicle in the country for a fourth year in a row, the company said.