Worldwide automobile sales continue to accelerate. (iStock)

Global car sales continue to accelerate, with purchases advancing 25 per cent year-over-year during March.

The latest Global Auto Report from Scotia Economics says it was the sixth consecutive double-digit increase.

The bank says emerging nations are leading the way with year-over-year gains in excess of 40 per cent.

But senior economist Carlos Gomes says volumes also continue to gain momentum in North America, and are advancing at the fastest pace since zero per cent financing began nearly a decade ago.

The report also states new vehicle prices are moving higher and that consumers are increasingly buying more expensive models.

Gomes says in particular, Canadians are shifting from small-and lower-priced cars to more expensive light trucks.