December auto sales down 7.3 per cent; annual sales see 2 per cent gain: DesRosiers

Ford Bronco SUVs are shown in a dealership. (Charles Krupa / AP Photo)

DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. says December car sales numbers were “mediocre.”

The firm estimates 126,000 vehicles were sold last month, down 7.3 per cent compared with December 2024.

DesRosiers says 2024 stood as a tough comparison because there was an end-of-year rush last year were when many Quebecers rushed to buy electric vehicles before an end to EV incentives.

On an annual basis, the firm says auto sales were up two per cent from the prior year, with 1.9 million vehicles sold despite headwinds from initial tariff disruptions.

It says 2025 was the best year since 2019, but remains 7.1 per cent below the peak set two years before that.

DesRosiers managing partner Andrew King says sales gains seem muted when compared with the 2017 peak because Canada’s population has since grown by 4.9 million people but that hasn’t been reflected in increased sales.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2026.