While the situation for American auto dealers tends to return to pre-pandemic levels, the situation remains rather difficult on this side of the border, according to DesRosiers Automotive.
Based on a Canada-wide survey of various dealers, the specialized firm estimates that inventories of new vehicles were only at 42% of their normal levels during the first quarter of the year. Still, that’s a notable improvement from the same time last year, when dealers claimed their inventory was just 19.4% of normal.
Of all the provinces, Ontario is doing the best with an average of 67.2 accessible vehicles per dealer, compared to the normal average of 139. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are in bottom of the pack with only 42.8 vehicles per brand.
According to DesRosiers, 49.5% of Canadian dealers noted an improvement in vehicle accessibility during the quarter. Nearly 50% (48.8%) of them say there will be noticeable improvements next year. It will therefore be necessary – again – to wait to get your hands on a new vehicle.