Global auto sales continued to improve in April, led by record volumes in key emerging markets, according to a report released Friday by Scotia Economics.

“Purchases in China, India and Brazil climbed to a record 10.3 million units (annualized) in April, up from 9.5 million in March and nearly one million units above the pre-crisis peak of 9.4 million set in May 2008,” says Carlos Gomes, Bank of Nova Scotia senior economist and auto industry specialist.

Volumes in the United States also strengthened through mid-April, but a late-month slowdown reduced purchases to an annualized 9.3 million units, down from an average of 9.5 million during the previous three months. “The late-month deceleration likely reflects heightened industry uncertainty, and the concern about the influenza outbreak in April,” Scotia Economic says.

Canadian passenger vehicle sales remained steady in April, at an annualized 1.42 million units for the second consecutive month, well above the 1.34 million unit pace of the first quarter.

Four manufacturers — including two Korean automakers — reported record monthly sales, suggesting that confidence is returning to the Canadian market, Scotia Economics says.

IE