Volvo Car Canada reports record sales of electrified vehicles in March

VOLVO CANADA - Volvo Car Canada reports double digit growth for the month of March, with sales of 1,179 vehicles, up 21.7 percent over the same period last year. For the quarter, the company sold 2,626 vehicles, up 5 percent.

The company reported sales of 589 Electrified vehicles (those with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain) up 131 percent, representing the most electrified vehicles sold in a single month.  Electrified models accounted for 50 percent of total sales. 

During the month of March, the XC60 compact luxury SUV was the top selling model accounting for 39 percent of overall sales, this led by record XC60 Recharge sales, up 669 percent.

“March results signal strong continued demand of our Electrified models,” said Matt Girgis, Managing Director, Volvo Car Canada. “This momentum brings a strong close to the quarter and sets us on solid ground as we approach the Spring.”

Nissan Group reports first-quarter 2024 Canadian sales

NISSAN CANADA - Nissan Group announced total Canadian first quarter (January-March) sales for the calendar year 2024 of 29,547 units, an increase of 44.3 per cent versus the prior year.

The Nissan division reported total Canadian sales of 28,048 vehicles sold in the first quarter, an increase of 48.8 per cent versus the prior year. 

The INFINITI division reported total Canadian sales of 1,499 vehicles sold in the first quarter, a decrease of 7.9 per cent versus the prior year. 

Nissan Division first quarter 2024 highlights:

• Nissan Group recorded its best February ever with 9.895 units sold.
• The Nissan Rogue recorded its best ever month in February 2024 with total sales of 4,895 units.
• The Nissan Rogue sold 11,197 units in the first quarter, an increase of 89.2 per cent versus 2023.
• The Nissan Qashqai reported 4,767 units sold in the first quarter, an increase of 278 per cent versus 2023.
• The Nissan Kicks sold 3,537 units in the first quarter, an increase of 11.6% per cent versus the prior year. 
• The Nissan Sentra reported total first quarter sales of 2,229 units, an increase of 25.5 per cent compared to 2023.

INFINITI Division first quarter 2024 highlights:

• The QX50 sold 264 units in the first quarter, an increase of 34.7 per cent versus 2023.  
• The QX55 sold 185 units in the first quarter, an increase of 29.4 per cent versus the prior year.

	2024	2023	% Change
Total First Quarter (Jan-March) 2024 sales (units)	29,547	20,470	44.3%
Nissan Division sales	28,048	18,842	48.8%
INFINITI sales	1,499	1,628	-7.9%
Calendar Year Total sales (units)	29,547	20,470	44.3%
Nissan Division sales	28,048	18,842	48.8%
INFINITI sales	1,499	1,628	-7.9%

Volvo Car USA and Canada reports 8,309 cars sold in January

VOLVO CAR USA / CANADA - After a record year in 2023 Volvo Car USA and Canada sold 8,309 cars in January, more than a quarter of which were Recharge models with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Sales in the U.S. reached 7,716 cars, up 0.3 percent over the same period last year. Recharge models accounted for more than 24 percent of that figure, while the share of fully electric models was more than three percent.

In Canada sales reached 593 cars, more than 50 percent of which were Recharge models, an increase of nearly three percentage points over the same period last year. The share of fully electric models was more than 21 percent.

For January the Volvo XC90 was the top-selling model in the U.S. with sales reaching 2,437 cars (2023: 2,510 cars), followed by the XC60, with total sales of 2,298 cars (2023: 2,515 cars), and XC40 at 1,694 cars (2023: 1,641). Sales of the S60 compact sedan gained the most of all models, increasing 133 percent to 834 cars (2023: 358 cars).

"We had a great year in 2023 and look forward to continuing the momentum as we work toward achieving our goal of being a fully electric automaker by 2030," said Michael Cottone, President, Volvo Car USA and Canada."

Mercedes-Benz Canada reports full-year 2023 sales results

 

MERCEDES-BENZ CANADA - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network announced 2023 sales results. The company delivered a total of 35,949 passenger vehicles (29,017) and vans (6,932) in 2023 (+4.8% compared to 2022 sales).

This number included 3,233 all-electric vehicles (11.1% of passenger cars retailed), representing exponential growth year-over-year in the segment as Mercedes-Benz continues the charge into the electric future with an expanded portfolio of dynamic all-electric vehicles.

Sales were also bolstered by Mercedes-Benz specialty brands such as Mercedes-Maybach, which saw +147% growth compared to 2022, and strong continued demand for Mercedes-AMG, approximately one-in-five passenger vehicles delivered in Canada this year was a Mercedes-AMG.

2023: Year in Review

Of the 29,017 passenger vehicles retailed in 2023, 21,292 were SUVs (73%) and 7,725 were passenger cars (27%). This mix remains consistent with 2022 where SUVs made up 75% of sales and passenger cars the remaining 25%. Growth leaders in the SUV segment were the sporty GLA SUV (+23.4% compared to 2022) and versatile GLB SUV (+14.3% compared to 2022). On the passenger car side, growth leaders were the dynamic CLA Coupe (+133% compared to 2022), and the classic, and long-time standout, C-Class (Sedan, Cabriolet, and Coupe) (+68.3% compared to 2022). The strong performance of passenger vehicles in 2023 underscores a continued interest in luxurious and sporty sedans and coupes, as Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe in 2024.

In 2023, customers responded positively to the introduction of additional all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz to the Canadian portfolio, with strong sales delivered throughout the lineup, including the EQS SUV, EQE SUV and EQB SUV. In total, Mercedes-Benz retailed 3,233 all-electric vehicles (+516% compared to 2022), representing 11.1% of all passenger cars and SUVs.

In 2023, Mercedes-Benz Canada's Pre-Owned division delivered a total of 14,181 pre-owned units. Of those total sales 13,767 were certified pre-owned (CPO) units, for a high 2023 CPO penetration rate of 97%.

In 2023, Mercedes-Benz Vans delivered an exceptional performance and significant year-over-year growth, retailing 6,932 vehicles (+19% compared to 2022). 

Q4 2023 Results

Overall customer demand was strong throughout the calendar year, with momentum building in the second half, particularly Q4.  In Q4 2023, the company retailed 8,285 passenger vehicles and vans (+22.9% compared to Q4 2022). This number included 1,325 all-electric vehicles, setting yet another quarterly benchmark for EV sales.

This record quarter for all-electric vehicle sales was propelled by all-electric SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, led by the EQE SUV (612 units retailed), EQS SUV (251 units retailed), and EQB SUV (283 units retailed). The EQB SUV was the overall growth leader in Q4 2023 (+644.7% compared to Q4 2022).

In Q4 2023, Mercedes-Benz Canada retailed 6,684 passenger cars and luxury light trucks. This total included 5,011 SUVs (74.9% of total sales) and 1,673 passenger cars (25.1% of total sales). On the luxury light truck side, the GLE SUV (SUV and SUV Coupe combined) led in overall sales volume with 1,174 units retailed this quarter (+9.5% compared to Q4 2022).

On the passenger car side, the sporty CLA Coupe led in overall sales volume with 512 units retailed (+179.8% compared to Q4 2022). High volumes came from the consistently popular C-Class (+16.6% compared to Q4 2022) and the sophisticated and luxurious E-Class (+30.5% compared to Q4 2022).

In Q4 2023, Mercedes-Benz Canada's Pre-Owned division showed strong growth with 3.312 total pre-owned units delivered. Of those total sales 3,208 were certified pre-owned (CPO) units, for an impressive Q4 2023 CPO penetration rate of 96.8%.

Mercedes-Benz Vans Canada finished the year with very strong growth, retailing 1,601 units in Q4 2023 (+58.5% compared to Q4 2022), of which 1,526 were Sprinter Vans (+70.3% compared to Q4 2022).

"We are proud to offer a portfolio that boasts industry leading performance, luxury, and innovation, and encouraged to see that consumers continue to respond enthusiastically," said Andreas Tetzloff, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Congratulations to our national dealer network on an incredible year. I'm confident we can continue to build on this positive momentum in 2024 as we look forward to introducing several exciting vehicles to the line-up, such as the highly anticipated eSprinter Van, the sophisticated all-new E-Class Sedan, the dynamic Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, and the exciting all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and Cabriolet."

SALES	Q4			Year-End Totals
	2023	2022	%	2023	2022	%
Mercedes-Benz Vehicles	6,684	5,729	+16.7	29,017	28,490	+1.8
Mercedes-Benz Vans	1,601	1,010	+58.5	6,932	5,826	+19.0
TOTAL	8,285	6,739	+22.9	35,949	34,316	+4.8

Volvo Car Canada closes 2023 with record sales

VOLVO CANADA - Volvo Car Canada set an all-time annual sales record of 12,865 cars in 2023, a 25 per cent increase over to last year. Sales of Recharge models—those with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain—accounted for 35 per cent of sales for the year, up 30 per cent compared to the previous year.

In 2023, the company delivered over 4,000 Recharge vehicles to customers in Canada, a significant step as the company works towards its global ambitions of selling only fully electric cars by 2030 and becoming climate neutral by 2040.

 

Volvo Car Canada is targeting continued growth for 2024 with the introduction of two new fully electric models: the Volvo EX90 seven-seat flagship SUV and the company’s smallest ever SUV, the Volvo EX30. Both vehicles will use next-generation electric architectures with advanced battery and computing technologies.

 

Enhanced customer journey

 

Online sales in Canada increased 40 per cent in 2023, a trend Volvo Car Canada predicts will continue into 2024 as it continues to meet consumer demand with its One Price Promise sales model, a streamlined and transparent shopping experience that's negotiation-free, both online and in-store.

 

A more sustainable retailer experience

 

Volvo Car Canada retailers are supporting the company’s sustainability efforts through investments in state-of-the-art Volvo Retailer Sustainability Experience (VRSE) facilities. VRSE stores are powered by renewable energy and built according to industry-leading environmental standards. The first two locations opened in 2023—Volvo Cars Richmond and Park Avenue Volvo Cars Brossard—with additional facilities being added this year.

 

“We are proud of the strides we’ve made as a company this year from enhancing the customer experience to working towards our ambitious electrification goals while setting sales and performance records,” said Matt Girgis, President, Volvo Car Canada. “I’d like to thank our retail partners and loyal customers for allowing us for their commitment to Volvo Cars and their support in our growth journey.”

Volvo Car USA and Canada reports sales in 2023 up 26 percent with strong fully electric results

VOLVO CAR USA AND CANADA - Volvo Car USA and Canada reports sales of 141,566 cars for the full year 2023, up 26 percent compared with last year. Recharge models—those with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain—accounted for 28.3 percent during the year, up 30.6 percent compared over last year.

Volvo Car USA and Canada sold 14,817 cars in December, up 22.4 percent over the same period last year. Recharge sales represented 25.2 percent in December, an increase of 7.4 percent compared with the same period last year. Fully electric cars accounted for 6.4 percent of Recharge sales.

 

For the full year 2023, sales in the US reached 128,701 cars, up 26.1 percent compared with the previous year. This included a record year for sales through the retail channel in the US.

 

December sales in the US reached 13,609 cars, up 22.4 percent over the same period last year. Recharge sales represented 23.7 percent; an increase of 0.9 percent compared with the same period last year.

 

In the US, the XC90 midsize luxury SUV was the top selling model with 4,844 cars sold during December, followed by the XC60 compact luxury SUV (4,075 cars) and XC40 small luxury SUV (3,067 cars).

 

In 2023, Canada set a new annual sales record with sales of 12,865 cars during the year. The previous record was set in 1974 with 11,763 cars sold. December sales in Canada rose 50.8 percent over the same period last year, with a volume of 1,208 cars setting a new December record. Recharge sales accounted for 41.9 percent; an increase of 80.7 percent compared with the same period last year.

 

"Throughout the year, we saw strong demand from our customers for our cars, including our Recharge models,” said Mike Cottone, President, Volvo Car USA and Canada. “I’d like to thank our retail partners and loyal customers for their commitment to Volvo Cars as we continue on our electrification and growth journey.”

Nissan Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual Sales for 2023

NISSAN CANADA -  Nissan Group announced total Canadian fourth quarter (October-December) sales for the calendar year 2023 of 21,149 units, an increase of 27.11 per cent versus the prior year. The group also reported total Canadian sales of 91,378 units, an increase of 19.59 per cent versus the prior year.

The Nissan division reported total Canadian sales of 19,839 vehicles sold in the fourth quarter, an increase of 30.89 per cent versus the prior year. 
The INFINITI division reported total Canadian sales of 1,310 vehicles sold in the fourth quarter, a decrease of 11.54 per cent versus the prior year. 

Nissan Division fourth quarter 2023 highlights:

• The Nissan Rogue sold 6,942 units in the fourth quarter, an increase of 21.2 per cent versus 2022.
• The Nissan Kicks sold 3,031 in the fourth quarter, an increase of 97.3 per cent versus 2022. 
• The Nissan Qashqai sold 4,636 units in the fourth quarter, an increase of 132.4 per cent versus 2022.

INFINITI fourth quarter 2023 highlights:

• The QX80 sold 229 units, an increase of 13.9 per cent versus the prior year.  
• The Q50 sold 127 units in the fourth quarter, an increase of 46.0 per cent versus the prior year.

Nissan Division 2023 year-end highlights:

• The Nissan division reported total Canadian sales of 85,170 vehicles sold, an increase of 20.02 per cent versus 2022.
•  The Nissan Rogue sold 26,665 units this calendar year, an increase of 32.4 per cent compared to the previous year.
• The Nissan Qashqai reported total calendar year sales of 12,942 units, an overall increase of 21.7 per cent compared to 2022.
• The Nissan Kicks reported total calendar year sales of 13,621 units, an overall increase of 3.9 per cent compared to 2022.
• The Nissan Pathfinder sold 6,773 units in the calendar year, an increase of 41.8 per cent versus the previous year.
• The Nissan ARIYA sold 1,810 units in the calendar year.
• The Nissan LEAF™ reported total calendar year sales of 2,002 units, an overall increase of 29 per cent versus the previous year.

INFINITI 2023 year-end highlights:

• The INFINITI division reported total Canadian sales of 6,208 vehicles sold, an increase of 14 per cent versus 2022.
• The QX60 sold 3,245 units in the calendar year, an increase of 46.4 per cent versus 2022.
• The QX80 reported a 2023 calendar year sale of 841 units, an overall increase of 39.5 per cent versus sales in 2022.

	2023	2022	% Change
Total Fourth Quarter (Oct-Dec) 2023 sales (units)	21,149	16,639	27.11 %
Nissan Division sales	19,839	15,158	30.89 %
INFINITI sales*	1,310	1,481	-11.54%
Calendar Year Total sales (units)	91,378	76,411	19.59 %
Nissan Division sales	85,170	70,965	20.02 %
INFINITI sales*	6,208	5,446	14.00 %

Success of Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales Regulation Depends on Enhanced Efforts to Address Consumer Affordability and Charging Concerns

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CADA, CVMA, GLOBAL AUTOMAKERS - Automakers are committed to electrification, investing over USD $1.2 trillion globally into the transformation. However, the regulated sales targets for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) soon to be released by Environment and Climate Change Canada Minister, Steven Guilbeault, will not be achievable without more ambitious government efforts to address Canadians’ concerns with vehicle affordability and charging infrastructure.

“Canadians expect certainty that they can afford, use, and charge their EVs in a manner that suits their different lifestyles and geographical requirements before making one of the most important purchasing decisions in their lives. Further, with the current high interest rates and high inflation severely impacting consumer affordability, many consumers lack the means to purchase EVs, as evidenced by the rising inventory levels on our members’ lots. Instead of attempting to dictate what individuals have to purchase, we suggest government focus on creating the right set of circumstances to stimulate demand,” said Tim Reuss, President and CEO, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association.

“Regulating vehicle sales will make life even more unaffordable for Canadians,” said Brian Kingston, President & CEO, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association. “Achieving 100% ZEV sales requires a comprehensive, long-term plan to support ZEV adoption that includes stronger consumer purchase incentives, a widespread public charging network, and enhancements to the electricity grid to prepare Canada for more ZEVs on the road.”

“The automotive industry is fully committed to decarbonizing its products - there is no turning back,” said David Adams, President & CEO, Global Automakers of Canada. “With the ambitious ZEV targets we are anticipating in the final regulation, we will need a comprehensive and meaningful dialogue between government, the automakers, and utilities to ensure that we have the necessary ecosystem to support mass consumer adoption of ZEVs across all segments over short time horizons, along with data-driven progress monitoring on these necessary conditions.”

For more information on what is needed to achieve 100% ZEV sales by 2035 see the ZEV Timeline.  

Volvo Car USA and Canada reports sales of 13,077 cars in November

VOLVO CAR USA AND CANADA - Volvo Car USA and Canada sold 13,077 cars in November, up 28.7 percent over the same period last year. Recharge models—those with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain—accounted for 27.5 percent in November, an increase of 16.5 percent compared with the same period last year. Fully electric cars accounted for 8.7 percent of Recharge sales, a decrease of 14 percent over the same period last year.

The US and Canada region sold 126,749 cars year-to-date, an increase of 26 percent compared with the same period last year. Sales of the company’s line of Recharge models represented 28.7 percent, an increase of 33.7 percent over the same period last year.

Sales in the US reached 11,671 cars in November, up 26.4 percent over the same period last year. Recharge sales represented 26 percent; an increase of 10 percent compared with the same period last year.

In the US, the XC90 midsize luxury SUV was the top selling model with 3,657 cars sold during November, followed by the XC60 compact luxury SUV (3,170 cars) and XC40 small luxury SUV (2,684 cars).

Sales during the month in Canada rose 51.5 percent over the same period last year, with a volume of 1,406 cars. Recharge sales accounted for 39.6 percent; an increase of 73.5 percent compared with the same period last year.

"Each month, we continue to see strong demand from our customers for our Recharge models,” said Mike Cottone, President, Volvo Car USA and Canada. “As we near the end of the year, we are confident that the demand for our Recharge vehicles will bring the company to being fully electric by 2030, especially with EX30 and EX90 joining our line up next year.”