Automakers report increased Canadian sales for cars, trucks in September

Consumer demand for cars and light trucks remained strong in September, Canadian automakers say, with most reporting significant year-over-year sales increases.

Ford Canada said it had the second-best September on record, as sales for its vehicles jumped 10 per cent last month, compared with the same month a year earlier. Ford said it sold 25,956 light vehicles in September, compared with 23,600 in the 2012 period. Ford also said it sold 20,237 trucks last month, an 8.8 per cent increase from 18,606 sold a year earlier.

Meanwhile, Chrysler Canada said it recorded its best sales for September in 13 years. The automaker said it sold 19,858 cars and light trucks last month, compared with 19,555 vehicles sold in September 2012. The total marked the 46th consecutive month of year-over-year growth, the longest sales streak in the company’s history, Chrysler said.

Japanese auto manufacturer Honda Canada said it sold 12,449 vehicles last month, up 8.7 per cent from 11,457 sold in September 2012. Honda said its Civic models continue to be its most popular cars, with 6,262 sold in September, an 8.3 per cent jump from 5,782 sold in the same period a year earlier. “Strong September sales wrapped up the summer selling season and will help to continue our sales momentum through to the end of the year,” Dave Gardner, vice-president of sales and marketing for Honda Canada Inc., said in a statement. Its luxury division, Acura, also saw an increase of 4.2 per cent, as it sold 1,515 cars in September, compared with 1,454 sold in September 2012.

Toyota Canada also reported an uptick of sales for September across its cars, trucks and Lexus luxury divisions. It said it had total sales last month of 15,301, up 3.3 per cent from a year earlier, due to strong gains by its Corolla and RAV4 brands. Sales of Lexus vehicles also went up 1.5 per cent in September to 1,580 sold in September of last year.

Meanwhile, Kia Canada saw its sales figures decline slightly in September compared with a year earlier. The automaker reported new vehicle sales of 6,833, down 2.8 per cent.