Detroit: Nissan and Honda reported US sales gains in December, helping to push both Japanese automakers to record numbers for 2014.

The figures are signs that car and truck sales finished the year strongly. For all of 2014, analysts are predicting sales of 16.5 million vehicles, up 6 percent from last year and a return to pre-recession levels.

Nissan's sales grew 11 per cent for the year to 1.39 million to set an annual record for the company. Nissan brand sales were up 12 per cent for the year.

Honda says its sales rose 1 per cent for the year to 1.54 million cars and trucks. That was enough to post the second-best results in company history and a record for the Honda brand.

All major automakers report US sales on Monday.