J.D. Power sees U.S. auto sales rebounding by as much as 15 percent to 11.5 million vehicles next year, according to Automotive News.

That's up from its projection of 10 million vehicles this year - which the marketing firm said it might up to 10.2 million due to increased sales from the Cash for Clunker program.

Good news if true - a big if as the economic indicators swing back and forth - and still sobering when you consider 13.2 million vehicles were sold last year and 16.2 million were sold in 2007.

Brave new world, indeed!

- Peter C.T. Elsworth