Auto sales in March fell 8.2% as high gas prices strained budgets: DesRosiers
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RICHMOND HILL – DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. says March auto sales fell from a year ago as soaring gas prices and harsh winter weather kept shoppers away from dealerships.
The firm estimates 170,000 vehicles were sold in the month, down 8.2 per cent from last year.
DesRosiers managing partner Andrew King says high gas prices have added even more financial stress for Canadian consumers, in addition to yearlong tariff-related economic headwinds.
However, the firm says 1,000 zero-emission vehicles were sold last month, partly as a result of renewed federal government incentives for electric vehicles.
The federal government replaced its EV rebate program with an EV affordability program in February, which allows for an incentive of up to $5,000 on car purchases with a final value of $50,000 or less.
On a quarterly basis, DesRosiers says 406,000 vehicles were sold during the first quarter of the year, down 4.4 per cent, but still a solid overall quarter given the economic situation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2026.