The numbers are in for Canadian light vehicle sales in August: DesRosiers Automotive Consultants estimates sales came in at 160,000 units — down 2.9% from the same month in 2024. (However, there was also one less selling day in August this year.)
Stepping back, DAC said last week Statistics Canada released economic data for the second quarter of the year. Those stats showed a deeper than forecast decline in GDP, with the overall Canadian economy contracting at a -1.6% annual rate. The impact of tariffs and trade uncertainty “became manifest in the economy,” according to DAC.
“While exports declined 7.5% and business investment in machinery and equipment declined 0.6%, the (Statistics Canada) agency noted that household spending actually increased in Q2 — with automotive sales being an important part of that gain,” explained DAC. “Many in the economic community have questioned, however, as to how long this growth in consumer spending can be maintained in light of the broader economic trajectory.”
To put the estimated 160,000 units in August light vehicle sales in perspective, DAC said the figure is well below the August sales levels in excess of 180,000 units seen during the pre-COVID 2017-2019 period. They also said August was the first month this year since February to experience a year-over-year sales decline.
“Corporate performances in August were decidedly mixed — with some companies seeing double digit gains, while others saw double digit losses,” said Andrew King, Managing Partner of DAC, in a statement. “Overall, however, the market was definitely trending weak with the SAAR coming in at 1.76 million —the lowest level we have seen so far in 2025.”
