Canadian Auto Sales Drop 2%

Sales of cars and light trucks in Canada slid to 95,300 units last month from 97,500 in January 2012, according to Richmond Hill, Ont.-based DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc.

Canada's passenger-car volume fell 5% to 39,000 units in last month. Light-truck demand was unchanged at 56,300 units.

Chrysler, whose sales grew 3% to 16,900 vehicles in January, was Canada's top-selling automaker, edging past former market leader Ford (+8% to 16,200 units). General Motors volume rose 6% to 13,800 vehicles. Volkswagen boosted sales 9% to 3,400 units.

But major Japanese carmakers posted big declines in Canada last month, including Toyota (-13% to 8,600 vehicles), Honda (-27% to 6,200 units) and Nissan (-18% to 4,100 units). Also posting losses were Hyundai (-2% to 7,300 units) and Kia (-3% to 3,700 units).