TORONTO, ontario – Chrysler Canada says August sales are up 9.0 percent from a year ago their highest mark for the month since 2000.
The automaker said Tuesday that it sold 20,569 vehicles last month, up from 18,816 in August 2011.
The increase was largely driven by car sales, which climbed 84 percent from a year ago. Total truck sales increased 1.7 percent.
“With the (new) Dodge Dart just starting to arrive across Canada, were positioned for even further growth,” said Dave Buckingham, Chrysler Canadas chief operating officer.
The strong August sales came as Chrysler Canada and the other major U.S. automakers continue contract talks with the Canadian Auto Workers unio.
Chrysler workers have voted 99 percent in favour of strike action if necessary.
Total sales at General Motors of Canada were down 15.9 percent compared to last August as the automaker posted gains in the compact and crossover markets.
Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac dealers reported 21,070 deliveries last month, the company said.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen Canada reported August sales up 34 percent from a year ago. The German automaker said it sold 5,782 vehicles for the month, up from 4,302 a year ago.
Kia Canada sold 7,682 new vehicles, up 32 percent compared with August 2011, led by the Rio.
“The Rio subcompact, Sorento SUV and Forte compact continue to be vehicle lines of strength for Kia Canadas product portfolio and represent three very competitive segments,” said Robert Staffieri, Kia Canadas director of marketing.
“These three vehicles, along with the rest of our model lineup, continue to attract repeat and conquest customers as we have experienced a 20.7 percent year-to-date increase, outpacing the industry average.”
Nissan Canada Inc. bucked the trend and reported a dro in August sales as buyers slowed the purchase of the Japanese automakers trucks.
The company reported combined sales at its Nissan and Infiniti division totaled 6,329 vehicles, down 14.7 percent from 7,421 as Nissan truck sales fell 44 percent compared with a year ago.
