RICHMOND HILL — DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. says auto sales in August were up 5.4 per cent from a year ago, marking the third consecutive month of sales gains. The firm estimates 168,000 vehicles were sold in the month, up from 160,000 in August 2025. Andrew King, managing partner at DesRosiers, says the market was still a ways off the highs seen during the 2017 to 2019 period, when August sales consistently topped 180,000 units. But he says last month’s sales were still a solid performance, given the geopolitical tensions and trade dispute between Canada and the United States. Looking ahead, DesRosiers says this month’s auto sales could come in lower, compared with September 2025. An escalating tariff war and the ongoing affordability crisis could weigh on auto sales as households rein in spending. --- This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 2, 2026.
