TORONTO -

Global auto sales rose by 10 percent in September — the biggest monthly gain in three years.

According to Scotiabank’s recently release Global Auto Report, Asia led the way in September’s increase, with purchases of new vehicles climbing 21 percent higher than a year ago. China saw a 32-percent spike in volumes, marking that country’s fourth consecutive monthly gain above 20 percent.

Volumes were strong across Europe, and double-digits gains in 11 Eastern European nations helped to offset continued declines in Russia.

Weakness continues in Brazil, which has been one of the weakest markets in recent years. Sales have fallen by nearly 50 percent since 2013, and nearly 20 percent year to date. However, the pace of the declines is expected to soften next year. While economic growth is expected to resume in Brazil next year, this may be enough simply to halt the pace of decline.

Sales in Canada bounced back in September, with several automakers reporting records for the month. Scotiabank estimated September new-car sales at 1.96 million — well above the 1.89 million average for the past two months, but marginally below the year-ago average for September.

A look at the U.S.

The U.S. saw an annualized 17.7 million new units in September, up from less than 17 million a month prior and an average of 17.2 million during the previous eight months.

Scotiabank predicts that September’s performance combined with strong preliminary estimates for October keep the industry on target to set a second consecutive annual sales record. Another moderate increase is likely in 2017, thanks to a solid labor market, rising incomes, low interest rates and fuel prices.

Meanwhile, in its new car sales forecast for September, Edmunds.com projected a September seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 17.5 million. For October, Edmunds predicts a SAAR of 17.8 million.

Edmunds.com projects that 1,356,250 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in October, representing a 5.2-percent decrease from September 2016, and a 6.8-percent decrease from October 2015. The 17.8 SAAR, however, would tie for the highest single month sales rate in 2016.