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The New York and Philadelphia regions also saw a rise in demand for goods at the end of the year, according to surveys by the Federal Reserve banks in those areas. And the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said Tuesday that January's growth in the region was the best in nine months. In November, industrial production declined for the first time in seven months. And factory production, the biggest single element of industrial production, fell. Manufacturers produced fewer cars, home appliances, electronics and business equipment. Economists blamed temporary factors for the decline, such as severe flooding in a region of Thailand that produces hard drives for many of the world's computers. Prior to November, factory output was strengthening after a spring slump brought on in part by the Japan earthquake and tsunami. That disrupted supply chains, which slowed U.S. auto production. Car and truck manufacturers are busy again. U.S. automakers said November and December were the best sales months in 2011. GM's December sales rose 5 percent, Ford's climbed 10 percent and Chrysler's surged a whopping 37 percent.
[Associated
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