Despite the uncertainty in Canada’s automotive industry following GM’s announcement that it will close its Oshawa plant, some Canadian manufacturers saw record sales in 2018.
Honda Canada posted record core model sales in 2018 – 195,379 units by the Honda and Acura divisions combined (175,042 for Honda, 20, 337 for Acura). The Honda Civic continues to be Canada’s best selling passenger car for the 21st consecutive year in a row.
Toyota Canada’s 2018 was its best-ever year, with sales growth of 3.2 per cent and 231,646 vehicles sold. The Toyota division had annual sales growth of 3.9 per cent and 207,535 units sold. December was an exceptionally strong month, with overall sales up 25.8 per cent and 15,865 units sold. The company expects 2019 to continue the positive trend.
Mercedes-Benz Canada added to the good news with its best-ever December sales of passenger cars and luxury light trucks – 3,185 units retailed, 4.3 per cent up over December 2017. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported a record breaking 2018 with 6,538 vehicles sold, up 1.0 per cent over 2017. The Pre-Owned division also had its best-ever year in 2018, with nine record-breaking months and 18,168 units sold over the full year – 5.7 per cent better than 2017.
