In June 2026, Canada's automotive market experienced a notable turnaround, with light vehicle sales totaling 182,000 units—a 1.9% increase from the 178,000 units sold in June 2025. This marked the end of an eight-month streak of year-over-year declines, signaling a positive shift in consumer confidence and market dynamics. ( for June stood at 1.84 million units, indicating a steady pace of sales throughout the month. Despite this uptick, the first half of 2026 saw a cumulative total of 950,000 units sold, reflecting a 2.6% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.
Several automotive manufacturers reported mixed results for June. Toyota Canada Inc. achieved record sales of 26,243 vehicles, a 19.0% increase from June 2025. Notably, electrified vehicles accounted for 67.9% of Toyota's June sales, underscoring the growing consumer preference for eco-friendly options.
Conversely, Mazda Canada Inc. reported a 2.2% decline in June sales, with 6,798 vehicles sold compared to the previous year. However, the CX-90 model set a new monthly sales record, increasing by 51.6% year-over-year.
Subaru Canada Inc. achieved its best June ever, selling 6,485 units—a 17.6% increase from June 2025. The Crosstrek and Forester models led the sales, with 3,041 and 1,823 units sold, respectively.
Despite these positive developments, the automotive sector faces ongoing challenges. The Bank of Canada's April Monetary Policy Report highlighted that tariffs and trade uncertainties continue to impact the industry, with persistent negative effects on economic activity. The report also noted that businesses are expected to pass on increased costs to consumers over time, potentially affecting vehicle affordability and consumer demand.
In summary, June 2026 marked a significant rebound in Canada's automotive sales, ending a prolonged period of decline. While the industry shows signs of recovery, it must navigate external economic pressures to sustain this positive momentum in the coming months.