Several major automakers are ready to hire new employees as the Center for Automotive Studies predicts 2010 new auto sales will rise to 12.4 million after declining to 10.4 million in 2009.  Auto labor expert Harley Shaiken says the hiring “…is encouraging. But it also reflects how far jobs sank in the industry.”

Ford Motor announced it will add 1,000 jobs to plants in Michigan manufacturing battery packs and other parts used in hybrid and electric cars even as it continues to buy out veteran union workers. Toyota’s San Antonio plant is hiring 850 for the return of their second shift. In Chattanooga Tennessee Volkswagen will fill 1,700 positions at a new plant manufacturing the Passat. South Korean automaker Kia is also adding a shift and doubling jobs to 2,500 at its plant in West Point, Georgia.