For much of the past year, Canada’s auto industry and B.C.’s new car dealers have been forced to navigate an extraordinary amount of uncertainty.
From shifting trade policies and tariffs south of the border to ongoing conflicts affecting the global energy markets, there have been plenty of reasons to expect a disruption or decrease in vehicle sales. Yet, as we enter the final quarter of 2026, one thing stands out – Canada’s new vehicle market has remained remarkably resilient.
At a time when affordability remains a top concern for households, these results demonstrate that reliable transportation continues to be an essential part of daily life for millions of Canadians. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, consumers are continuing to invest in the vehicles they need to get to work, support their families and stay connected to their communities.
September also marked the fourth consecutive month in which Canadian new vehicle sales outpaced the same month a year earlier. While total sales remain 0.7 per cent below 2025 levels through the first three quarters of the year, the gap has narrowed considerably, highlighting the resilience of both Canadian consumers and the automotive industry despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
While overall sales have remained steady, there are also signs that consumer preferences continue to evolve. One of the most notable trends during the third quarter was renewed momentum in the zero-emission vehicle market, driven in part by the federal government’s electric vehicle rebate program, which was reintroduced in February.
This trend is particularly relevant in British Columbia, which continues to be a national leader in EV adoption. In June, electric vehicles accounted for 21.7 per cent of all new vehicle sales in the province, according to reporting by The Pointer. Quebec followed closely at nearly 19 per cent. Meanwhile, Ontario recorded its highest-ever EV market share, with electric vehicles representing 9.4 per cent of new vehicle sales, a remarkable 94 per cent increase compared to June 2025.
These figures demonstrate that demand for electric vehicles remains strong when consumers have access to affordable products, reliable infrastructure and supportive government policies. As more manufacturers bring competitively priced EVs to market, Canadian drivers are increasingly viewing electric vehicles as a practical option rather than a niche purchase.
As we head into the final quarter of 2026, there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead. Questions around affordability, trade policy and the future of EV incentives remain. However, if the first nine months of the year have shown us anything, it is that Canadian consumers continue to value reliable personal transportation and are willing to invest when the right products are available – a welcome sign for the many dealers across our province.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]
