Canada’s new light-vehicle market posted steady growth in September, with results varying widely across provinces. While Ontario led the way with a 7.7 per cent increase in sales, British Columbia, Alberta and Prince Edward Island saw slight declines compared to the same month last year.
That’s according to data from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC), which shows national light-vehicle sales reached an estimated 163,000 units in September 2025, up 3.7 per cent from September 2024. Year-to-date, total sales rose 4.5 per cent to approximately 1.47 million units sold.
Provincial results reflected what DAC called “scattered softness” across parts of the market, although Andrew King, Managing Partner at DAC, said they are “expecting the provincial picture to change considerably in the final quarter of 2025.”
British Columbia slipped 2.8 per cent year-over-year, Alberta fell 1.2 per cent, and Prince Edward Island edged down 0.8 per cent. In contrast, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland posted strong double-digit gains, up 12.7 and 12 per cent respectively.
Despite the September dip, British Columbia remains narrowly positive for the year with a 0.1 per cent increase year-to-date, while Quebec follows with 0.4 per cent. The Atlantic region continues to outperform the national average year-to-date.
“Week by week it seems new challenges and threats are emerging on the trade front with the U.S.,” said King.
For retailers, Ontario’s strength continues to buoy the national market, but volatility in Western and Atlantic provinces highlights uneven consumer confidence. With trade uncertainty and inventory fluctuations shaping demand, dealers may face a mixed finish to 2025 despite healthy year-to-date growth.
