The auto industry was one of the hardest hit during the recession, but new signs indicate it may be back with a vengeance. According to The Associated Press, a number of manufacturers have opened new plants and are continuing to add jobs.

The news is especially encouraging given that the auto industry is hiring at a faster pace than other areas as well, including airline manufacturers and the healthcare sector. Specifically, Honda, Volkswagen and General Motors are all in the process of adding thousands of employees.

The boost in employment certainly comes from the boost in sales. According to the news provider, Americans are on pace to buy 13 million cars this year, which is up significantly from the 11.6 million they purchased in 2010.

"I really do believe that we are seeing a renaissance in the American automobile industry," economics expert James Brock told the AP.

Part of the boost is due to the creation of some new, more fuel-efficient models, most notably the much-anticipated Chevy Volt, which spurred the hiring of 2,500 at a Chevrolet plant in Detroit.