DesRosiers Automotive Consultants says Canadian auto sales were down 17.7% in October from a year earlier as vehicle shortages caused by semiconductor supply issues continue to harm the industry.
The consultancy that focuses on the automotive industry estimates that light vehicle sales totaled 128,419 in October, the lowest monthly sales for that particular month since 2011.
The drop in October was second this year only to September’s 19.6% decline from a year earlier.
DesRosiers said that while there were some tentative signs of improved availability for one or two key vehicle models, the overall picture for the month was of a market held back by continued supply chain problems.
The automotive sector has been hit hard by the microchip shortage, which is due to pandemic-related production issues and a surge in demand for electronics.