New sales called ‘solid’ despite dip

Nationally, Canadian light vehicle sales reached an estimated 159,000 units in October, down 1.8 per cent from 162,000 units recorded in October 2024, which were buoyed by strong sales in Quebec, according to DesRosiers Automotive consultants.

Despite the year-over-year dip, the consultancy said sales remain solid, with the seasonally adjusted annual rate hitting 1.94 million — the strongest since the first quarter, when pent-up demand from semiconductor shortages boosted results.

The group noted that Quebec’s electric vehicle market looks very different from a year ago, when provincial incentives were set to drop and buyers rushed to take advantage of generous rebates. In October 2024, sales in Quebec surged past 43,000 units — the strongest October on record for the province.

Fast-forward to October 2025, and while incentives are again scheduled to decline at year-end, the impact is smaller and EV sales aren’t close to last year’s spike. However, renewed availability of the German-built Tesla Model Y, which disappeared from the market during the summer, is adding momentum. DesRosiers noted the model is now selling quickly, adding complexity to market dynamics.

“October sales were certainly solid,” said Andrew King, managing partner at DAC. “However, with the trade situation showing no signs of being resolved, potential threats of further semiconductor-related disruption, and economic data still soft, it will be interesting to see if the momentum can be maintained.”

With a federal budget coming through and ongoing supply chain uncertainties, DesRosiers said the month of November could be pivotal.