The third quarter of 2021 saw a decrease of 12.3% in new light vehicle sales in Canada, split between passenger cars and light trucks, with the majority of vehicle segments experiencing decreases, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC).
“The impacts of the semiconductor shortage on new vehicle sales have spread unevenly through the market. And although the overall sales trend for the third quarter was down, the shortage forced a significant degree of variance in segment-level performance,” said Andrew King, Managing Partner of DAC.
Three segments noted sales increases, but only one presented a clear “sales win” for Q3. The large SUV segment managed a notable 56.6% sales increase, outperforming the market. The compact luxury SUV segment also managed an increase, but of only 1.0%, while the compact SUV segment noted a minor 0.5% sales increase.
Regarding the worst performers, the subcompact car segment experienced a sales decline of 46.1%, while the subcompact car segment sold roughly as many units as the sport segment.
“With the impacts of the semiconductor shortage clear on pickup manufacturing, the large pickup segment noted the second worst performance for the quarter, down 37.7%,” said DAC, adding that, not far off, the compact luxury car segment experienced a 33.4% sales decline.
