Top 10 sellers a familiar bunch
Same names are perennial favourites, but many had a slower year than 2017
Although 2018 ended as the second-highest-volume year in the history of the Canadian auto industry, overall sales volume steadily declined over the course of the year. Among the 10 best-selling vehicle nameplates in Canada over the past 12 months, eight reported fewer sales in 2018 than in 2017.
And yet, most held on to their former positions. Only 2017’s 10th-ranked vehicle, the Dodge Grand Caravan, dropped out of the top 10. That’s not to say Canada’s new vehicle market isn’t changing. Passenger cars are fading, collecting only 29 per cent of all auto sales. After surging to record levels in 2017, full-size pickup truck sales dropped off precipitously in 2018. SUVs and crossovers, meanwhile, are keeping many manufacturers afloat.
From a narrow selection of segments, with figures from the Global Automakers of Canada, these were Canada’s 10 best-selling vehicles in 2018.
10. HYUNDAI ELANTRA: 41,784, DOWN NINE PER CENT
Once seen as the vehicle that could overtake the Honda Civic — and it often did, on a monthly basis — the Hyundai Elantra is now a distant third-place candidate in the passenger-car battle, with its sales volume slipping to an eight-year low.
9. FORD ESCAPE: 43,857, DOWN EIGHT PER CENT
Long the top-selling SUV in Canada, the Ford Escape gave up its crown in 2016. In 2018, Escape volume fell to an eight-year low, as Ford preps for the launch of a new Escape in 2019.
8. TOYOTA COROLLA: 48,796, DOWN THREE PER CENT
In 2019, there will be an all-new Corolla sedan to join the latest Corolla hatchback. Typically, the fresh launch of a globally popular car would result in straightforward predictions of increased volume. That’s more difficult to project now that Canadians are turning away from cars in such large numbers.
7. HONDA CR-V: 54,879, UP NINE PER CENT
For almost the entire year, the Honda CR-V was Canada’s most popular SUV/crossover. But the surging Honda’s momentum slowed late in the year as availability waned. Canadian CR-V sales have more than doubled since 2011.
6. CHEVROLET SILVERADO: 55,334, DOWN SIX PER CENT
Although a part of Chevrolet’s Silverado decline in 2018 can be blamed on a transition phase that’s seen GM prepare for the launch of an all-new model, the Silverado also suffered from the same plight as its rivals. Full-size pickup truck demand appears to have peaked in 2017.
5. TOYOTA RAV4: 55,385, UP NINE PER CENT
For a third consecutive year, the Toyota RAV4 was Canada’s top-selling utility vehicle. 2018 was the RAV4’s seventh consecutive year of growth, an impressive feat given the age of the 2018 RAV4. There’s an all-new model for 2019.
4. GMC SIERRA: 56,242, DOWN NINE PER CENT
After reaching record levels in 2017, the GMC Sierra dropped off in 2018 as General Motors approached the launch of a new iteration of its full-size trucks. It’s worth noting that the Sierra and its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Silverado, combined for 111,576 total sales in 2018, far more than their Ram rival.
3. HONDA CIVIC: 69,005, DOWN 0.04 PER CENT
Only half a decade ago, the Honda Civic’s share of Canada’s passenger car market was eight per cent. It was a staggering figure, but it’s now far overshadowed by a 12 per cent share of the Canadian car market. 2018 saw the Civic claim Canada’s title as the best-selling car for a 21st consecutive year and outsold its closest rival by a 41 per cent margin.
2. RAM 1500: 84,854, DOWN 14 PER CENT
In a year of transition for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ leading product, Ram volume fell to a five-year low. Ram’s importance in the FCA family can’t be overstated: Canadian Ram volume was stronger in 2018 than the efforts of the entire Jeep brand and 33 per cent stronger than the combined totals achieved by Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo.
1. FORD F-SERIES: 145,694, DOWN SIX PER CENT
For a tenth consecutive year, the Ford F-Series is Canada’s best-selling vehicle, despite seeing sales drop by nearly 10,000 units. The F-Series generates 50 per cent of Ford Canada’s sales, and a greater percentage of profits.