Canada’s biggest car companies reported a 5% rise in July light vehicle sales on Friday, rebounding from a sagging market the month before, but analysts warned the remainder of the year would likely be soft, Reuters reported.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


General Motors, the country’s biggest car maker, said combined sales of cars and light trucks increased 12.5% in July to 43,129 from 38,351 a year earlier, the report added.


The Oshawa, Ontario-based manufacturer said it sold 21,050 cars last month, up 6.1 percent from 19,838, Reuters reported, adding that truck sales, which include sport utility vehicles and minivans, were up 19.3% at 22,0798 from 18,513.


DaimlerChrysler Canada said total July sales rose 6.9% to 17,630 from 16,495, according to Reuters.


The Windsor, Ontario-based company told the news agency it sold 4,463 cars, up 11% from 4,017, as truck sales rose to 13,167 up 5.5% from 12,478.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

According to Reuters, Ford said combined July sales dropped to 22,321, down 4.3% from 23,336.


Ford said it sold 15,724 trucks in July, up 4.4% from 15,059 last year, while car sales were 6,597, down 20.3% from 8,277, Reuters added.


Despite the higher July numbers, Dennis DesRosiers, an independent automotive analyst, expects to see about 1.6 million vehicles sold in Canada this year, down more than 5% from the 1.7 million sold last year, Reuters said.


Just last fall, DesRosiers forecast a dip of only 3 or 4% to 1.65 million vehicles, the news agency noted.


“We just don’t have the confidence that the sales are going to come in,” DesRosiers told Reuters. “The consumer market is down.”


Toyota Canada, the main Japanese-based rival to the Big Three, said it sold 14,384 vehicles in July, up 12.4% from last year, the Reuters report added.