Statistics Canada reported Tuesday that new motor vehicle sales rose to 131,393 units in January, a 3.2 percent increase from December sales. Preliminary data also indicates that motor vehicle sales may have fallen 1 percent in February, although official results will not be released until April.
In January, sales of passenger cars fell 1 percent to 57,429 units-the third consecutive monthly decrease-as sales of passenger cars built offshore declined 10.4 percent. Sales of passenger cars in Canada built by North American carmakers rose 6.3 percent in January.
Sales of trucks boosted overall vehicle sales, rising 6.6 percent to 73,964 units in January.