Used Vehicle Market Stays Dynamic as Dealers Look Ahead to 2026
DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC), in partnership with the Used Car Dealers Association (UCDA), surveyed Canadian used vehicle dealers to assess market conditions in 2025 and expectations for 2026. Responses from both franchised dealers and independent retailers point to a market that remained highly dynamic, shaped by Canada–U.S. trade pressures, limited off-lease supply, and the lingering effects of reduced new vehicle sales earlier in the decade.
Franchised dealers reported average sales of 354 units per store in 2025, compared with 173 units for independents, though both groups expect growth in 2026. Vehicle sourcing continues to challenge dealers, with about half reporting worsening conditions over the past six months. Franchised stores primarily source vehicles directly from consumers, while independents rely more heavily on auctions.
Used battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption is gradually increasing but remains uneven, with most dealers reporting no BEV sales and a minority indicating BEVs accounted for 1–5% of transactions.
Limited Availability Remains for 2026 Toyota Fleet Orders as Most Models Sell Out
Toyota’s fleet ordering update as of February 23, 2026, shows limited availability for the 2026 model year, with only six models still open for orders. Available vehicles include the bZ BEV, bZ Woodland BEV, C-HR BEV, Crown HEV, Prius Plug-in HEV, and RAV4 Plug-in HEV. New orders for these models are expected to open in March 2026, with projected arrivals in July.
GM Shrinks Inventory to Stay Agile in an Uncertain Auto Market
General Motors is heading into a potentially softer auto market with a leaner inventory strategy, carrying about 30–40% fewer vehicles than before the pandemic. Executives say tighter supply allows the company to react faster to market changes and manage incentives more carefully, helping protect profitability during a downturn.