You think Japan’s 43.8 percent rise in car sales in November is an aberration that can only be explained with insidious inspection practices? Whatever. Change of venue: Direct your attention to France. France sold 48.4 percent more cars this November than in November 2008, reports Automobilwoche [sub]. Granted, the final months of 2008 were the beginnings of carmageddon. And we will compare against weaker and weaker months worldwide. But growth is growth. And 48.4 percent is a big jump. Of course there is still a little governmental jump starting: Every second car bought received a €700 bonus from Paris as a big merci beaucoup for spitting out less CO2. In the first 11 months, the French car market grew 7.6 percent over the same period in 2008. It’s coming around. Some brands report astounding numbers.

Ford gained 87.3 percent in November and a market share of 7.1 percent. GM/Opel grew by 83.5 percent, and translated it into a 4.9 percent share. Renault’s el-cheapo brand Dacia grew 90.4 percent (3.4 percent share). PSA Peugeot Citroën gained 66 percent (32.7 percent share.) The French snubbed their noses at the German brands: VW plus 20.7 percent (10.3 share), Mercedes plus 14.4 percent (2.2 share),  BMW/Mini plus 7.5 percent (2.2 share)

Want some feel-good US news? Reuters thinks November sales 2009 will be as dismal as November sales 2008. They think it’s “a sign the industry is on the mend after a bruising downturn.” Whatever.