by Daniel Costello

Manufactures are expected to report flat U.S. auto sales for November compared to a year ago, suggesting the worst of the industry's four-year slump may be over. But high unemployment and low consumer confidence remain drags on the industry.

U.S. auto sales in November are expected to come in at 10.5 million units on the annualized rate tracked by the industry, according to a median forecast of 36 industry analysts.

November 2008 sales were 10.4 million units on the annualized rate and October 2009 sales were 10.5 million units.