Canada April 2017: Ram Pickup breaks record in market down 1.5%

Record month for the Ram Pickup in Canada. 

* See the Top 15 groups, Top 35 brands and Top 267 models by clicking on the title *

After a record First Quarter, new light vehicle sales in Canada lose steam in April at -1.5% to 197.470 units, keeping in mind the comparison set with a year ago is extremely demanding, as April 2016 was the first month above 200.000 registrations in Canadian history. The year-to-date tally remains however in positive territory at +2.5% to 619.776 units. As it is the case in the United States, passenger cars are the main culprits in this market decline with sales down a harsh 8.7% to 66.656 units, frankly outsold by SUVs and crossovers up 0.7% to 78.282. Reversely to the U.S., pickup trucks still have some fuel in Canada with sales up 9.5% this month to 39.828.

GMC Sierra sales are up 19% year-on-year in April. 

Thanks to deliveries up a stunning 14.8% on a year ago, General Motors reclaims the lead of the groups ranking in April, with Ford (+0.2%) also up one spot and knocking down FCA (-9%) to third place overall. Toyota Motor (-7.8%), Hyundai-Kia (-2.3%), Nissan Motor (-5.7%) and the Volkswagen Group (-17%) all lose ground on a year ago while Honda Motor edges up 2.2%. Brand-wise, Ford gains 0.4% to remain by far in pole position with 15% vs. 9.8% for Toyota (-5.8%) and 9.3% for Chevrolet up a splendid 22.3%. Honda (+5.8%), Ram (+10.6%) and GMC (+17.3%) also shine inside the Top 10 while below, Jeep slides down a harsh 34.9%, the 10th consecutive month of year-on-year decline for the brand. Among smaller marques, Fiat (+87.5%), Maserati (+124.1%), Jaguar (+157.4%) and Alfa Romeo (+167%) are the best performers.

The new generation boosts Chevrolet Cruze sales up 82% this month in Canada. Picture caranddriver.com

In the models ranking, the sales concentration on the tried and tested nameplates continues: only two nameplates are down in the Top 15: the Dodge Grand Caravan (-21%) and Toyota RAV4 (-1%). The Ford F-Series continues to dominate and signs its 2nd best ever monthly volume at 14.326, only trailing its score from last September (15.659). In 2nd place, the Ram Pickup simply breaks its monthly volume record at 9.883 units (+10%), eclipsing its previous best of 9.630 (corrected figure) from April 2015. The Honda Civic (+4%), GMC Sierra (+19%), Toyota Corolla (+4%) and Chevrolet Silverado (+27%) follow. Further down, notice the Chevrolet Cruze up 82%, the Hyundai Tucson up 65%, Chevrolet Equinox up 73% and Honda HR-V up 44%.

Previous post: Canada February 2017: New light vehicle sales do not weaken at +3.2%

One year ago: Canada April 2016: First month in history above 200.000 registrations

Full April 2017 Top 15 groups, Top 35 brands and Top 267 models below.