Oh Canada! Oh Ford!
Commentator dinu01 sent us some Canadian sales data (data day at TTAC) courtesy TheStar.com. “Booming Hyundai Auto Canada, which bucked the market trend this year, broke into the top five for the first time in June as sales surged 25.5 per cent to 10,104. Its sales have shot up 21.4 per cent to 52,454 in the first six months despite the industry’s sharp downturn.” The Korean automaker’s fortunes have soared even as GM and Chrysler Canadian sales have tanked. Hmmm. I wonder what that’s all about . . .
Analysts said yesterday months of lingering consumer uncertainty about the survival of GM of Canada Ltd. and Chrysler Canada have contributed significantly to the companies’ continuing decline, including a slide in sales in June of 31 and 58 per cent, respectively, despite the aid. “There’s no ifs, ands or buts. When you are a company that is bankrupt, consumers are hesitant to buy your products,” said prominent industry watcher Dennis DesRosiers.
But Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd., which did not pursue any public aid, climbed to the top of the monthly market in June for the first time since 1949. The company’s sales surged 24.6 per cent, or almost 5,500 vehicles, to 27,408 in June from the same period last year.
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Canadians have always been smart shoppers and that is why Ford, Hyundai and Kia are gaining market share. We want good quality at good prices. Go Ford, its about time they got the sales they have deserved for the last 4-5 years. Not flaming but where is good old Crown Vic to s**t all over this good news Ford story? Happy 4th of July weekend to my American friends...
As a Canadian I concur that the buying tendencies are different here. We're a highly taxed society so people here are frugal. We tend not to dwell on stereotypes as much (like Hyundai is still making the Pony). We make friends with pretty much anyone including Cuba, so we're a bit more likely to admit that Korea can make a decent car. We have different buying patterns too; small cars, hatchbacks, diesels so that might be part of it too.
and the two companies with the best (cheapest) financing available in the country are...Ford and Hyundai
Full Canadian Sales Breakdown There's no doubt the market is polarizing into luxury (via Audi/M-B and to a lesser extent, BMW), and "value" brands. Everyone in-between is treading water or worse. It's an interesting situation to watch because "domestic" (US) badges typicaly outsell imports even in Canada, but not this year.