2020 Canada Automotive Sales Research
The year 2020 was exceptional for global industries, and the Canadian automotive market was no exception, heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The onset of the pandemic led to significant disruptions. Lockdowns and safety concerns drastically reduced foot traffic to dealerships in the first half of the year. Additionally, supply chain disruptions affected vehicle availability. As a direct consequence of the pandemic, new vehicle sales saw a sharp decline, especially in the second quarter. Economic uncertainty, job losses, and reduced consumer confidence contributed to one of the steepest year-over-year drops in automotive sales in recent history. Despite the downturn, the preference for SUVs, crossovers, and trucks remained dominant in the Canadian market. These vehicles continued to drive sales, even in a depressed market. Even amidst the pandemic, interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids remained strong. Provincial incentives and an increasing commitment from manufacturers to offer new electric models supported this trend. The pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in the global automotive supply chain. Disruptions, especially from major parts producers, led to vehicle production halts and delays.