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Manitoba vehicle sales drop slightly

Winnipeg — Sales of new vehicles stalled in Manitoba in January, according to new seasonally adjusted figures released today.

Statistics Canada said Manitoba dealerships sold 3,698 new cars and trucks during the month, which was down 0.1 per cent from December’s total of 3,700.

Three other provinces also saw their sales decline, and Manitoba’s decrease was the smallest among the four.

The agency said Canada’s sales remained unchanged at 128,426 units after higher sales of trucks and overseas-built cars were offset by weaker sales of North American-built cars.

On a year-over-year basis, Canada’s sales were up 9.2 per cent from January 2009, while Manitoba’s were up by a more modest 1.6 per cent.

According to preliminary industry data from Statistics Canada, the number of new motor vehicles sold increased in six provinces, with the largest increase coming in Saskatchewan, where sales were up by 11.1 per cent.

Lower sales of North American-built passenger cars were offset by higher sales of trucks and overseas-built passenger cars as the number of new motor vehicles sold remained unchanged at 128,426 in January.

Sales of new trucks (which include minivans, sport-utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses) increased 2.4 per cent to 65,726, their second straight monthly increase.

The number of new passenger cars sold in January decreased 2.3 per cent to 62,700 units.

Sales of North American-built passenger cars fell 8.2 per cent to 34,234, the lowest monthly sales level since last June.

The number of overseas-built passenger cars sold increased 5.8 per cent.

— The Canadian Press / with files from staff

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Updated on Monday, March 15, 2010 at 10:02 AM CDT:
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