Canadian new vehicle sales increased in June, breaking an eight-month streak of declines. However, sales for the first half of 2026 remain below last year’s levels, according to estimates from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC).
June Sales Show Modest Growth
DAC estimates that automakers sold 182,000 light vehicles in June 2026, marking a 1.9% gain from June 2025. This rise ended a long period of year-over-year declines but was partly aided by an extra selling day in June this year compared to last.
Despite the increase, sales are still well below June 2017 figures, which saw 204,000 vehicles sold. The population was smaller then, highlighting how sales have not kept pace in recent years. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) rose to 1.84 million, up from a four-month low but still below the January peak of 2.08 million.
First Half Sales Remain Down
For the first six months of 2026, DAC reports approximately 950,000 vehicles sold, down 2.6% from 976,000 in the same period last year. The overall market continues to face challenges from economic conditions.
AutoForecast Solutions projects that total Canadian vehicle sales for 2026 will reach about 1.84 million units, slightly higher than their previous forecast of 1.83 million units.
Leading Automakers Report Mixed Results
- General Motors leads with 148,640 vehicles sold in the first half; Cadillac, Buick, and Chevrolet all saw strong second-quarter results.
- Toyota Canada, including Lexus, set records with 129,674 vehicles sold in the first half, a 4.4% increase year-over-year. Toyota’s second-quarter and June sales also hit new highs.
- Stellantis reported a 6% increase with 62,444 vehicles delivered in the first half of the year.
Looking Ahead
DAC expresses cautious optimism about future sales, tying hopes to progress in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade talks. Market watchers will be watching July’s numbers for signs of sustained improvement.
Why It Matters
The slight rebound in June shows the Canadian auto market may be stabilizing after months of decline. However, overall figures indicate the market still faces headwinds. Progress in trade and economic factors will be key to supporting growth for the rest of 2026.
Source: autonews.com