2012 Canadian Vehicle Sales Wrap-Up: Part One

A number of car companies have posted record years in terms of overall Canadian sales for 2012. The strong rebound of the auto industry continues after the depths of the economic crisis and global recession just a few years ago threatened to wipe out several brands.

Amongst those claiming to have sold more cars in 2012 than ever before in Canada are Kia (77,800 vehicles sold), Subaru (31,003 vehicles sold), and Hyundai (136,283 vehicles sold). Kia is further boasting 48 months straight of increases in the number of automobiles it is moving out the door, while Hyundai advertises a modest 5.4 percent increase over 2011's final sales figures.

Several other reported sales figures for 2012 are no less strong, with an 18.4 percent boost versus 2011 being reported by Toyota (171,174 vehicles sold), a figure that includes an astonishing 167 percent increase in hybrid sales. Lexus is posting a 20 percent gain (7,366 vehicles sold), while Infiniti jumps 15.2 percent to 7,993 vehicles sold, which is on top of 74,201 vehicles sold by its parent brand, Nissan.

Mazda's 71,638 vehicles sold presents a modest 4 percent gain versus the previous year, while Honda and Acura have combined for 148,712 vehicles sold, which stands tall as a 21 percent increase over 2011. BMW is claiming the luxury crown in Canada with an 8 percent growth in sales to 37,707 vehicles for 2012.