Ontario had been underperforming the rest of Canada for much of the year in terms of new light vehicle sales — but it gained traction in July, much as it did in June, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants.
The province saw new light vehicle sales rise 8.8% in July, while other provinces performed well. This includes Nova Scotia (up 22.3%), Prince Edward Island (up 15.5%), and New Brunswick (up 13.0%). And Saskatchewan enjoyed a 10.8% increase. However, Alberta, Manitoba, and Newfoundland, although ahead of the national average year-to-date, experienced some market weakness.
“July 2025 was a strong month for the new light vehicle sales market despite concerns with tariffs and broader economic challenges,” said Andrew King, Managing Partner at DAC, in a statement. “Clearly, however, there is the potential for growing instability and market distortion in particular regions and segments if the trade situation is not resolved.”
Overall, DAC said the market saw new light vehicle sales rise to an estimated 172,000 units sold — an increase of 6.9% from the 161,000 units sold in July 2024. Year-to-date, the market saw sales increase 5.8% to 1.15 million units sold.
