According to Desrosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC), June saw both a relative improvement in the national sales picture and some wild swings in provincial performance.

Total sales settled in at an estimated 156 thousand units—down only 15.7% from June of last year—bringing with them a hopeful breath of fresh air amongst the recent sales miasma. Among the provinces, a few standout performers turned the tide, at least for now.

Quebec and Newfoundland both managed estimated sales increases in June, rising 8.8% above previous figures as pent-up demand among consumers likely drove markets higher.

Other provinces did not fare nearly as well with Ontario—still the clear volume leader—noting a 24.7% decrease in sales versus June 2019.

With Quebec up 8.8% and Ontario down 24.7% there was a remarkable 34 point divergence in the relative performance of Canada’s two largest provinces. Nova Scotia and British Columbia also continued to record significant decreases, down 33.3% and 26.3% respectively.

As pandemic measures and re-opening schemes continue to vary from region to region, this type of mixed performance may well continue in the coming months.