A Toyota Matrix is shown at a car dealership. A new report from Scotia Economics says global car purchases surged 22 per cent year-over-year in December. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jeff Chiu)

TORONTO - A new report from Scotia Economics says global car purchases surged 22 per cent year-over-year in December.

The bank says it was one of the strongest advances on record and the third consecutive double-digit increase.

Scotia Economics' Global Auto Report says North America sales also ended 2009 on a strong note, enabling automakers to enter 2010 with renewed confidence.

Senior economist Carlos Gomes says the bank expects Canadian purchases to climb to 1.53 million units in 2010, up from a decade low of 1.46 million last year.

The bank also says resource-rich Alberta and British Columbia will lead the rebound in car and light truck sales in Canada this year.

Higher oil prices in Alberta are expected to boost car and light truck sales to an annualized 198,000 units, up from 184,000 in 2009. In addition, the bank predicts purchases in British Columbia will rise to 158,000 this year from 150,000 units in 2009.