08.18.2026

Market Insights – 8/18/26

 Wholesale Prices, Week Ending August 15th, 202

 The Canadian used wholesale market saw a decline of -0.34% in pricing for the week. Car segment prices decreased by -0.34% while the Truck/SUV segment decreased by -0.35%. Overall, the Compact Van segment saw the biggest increase of +1.65%. The largest declines in the Car segments were seen in Prestige Luxury Car at -0.63% and Prestige Compact Car with -0.47%. The largest declines in the Truck/SUV segments were Sub-Compact Crossover/SUV with -1.09% followed by Full-Size Luxury Crossover/SUV at -0.99%.

Car Segments 

• The car segment continued to decline last week, with the overall Car Market down 0.34% a steeper drop than the prior week. Prestige Luxury recorded the largest decline at 0.63%.
• All nine car sub-segments posted week-over-week declines, marking the first time in six weeks that every sub-segment moved lower.

Truck / SUV Segments 

Last week truck values continued to soften at a higher rate, with the overall Truck Market down -0.35%. The largest declines were recorded in, Sub-Compact Crossovers –1.09%. 

Compact Van +1.65%, segments posted the largest gain last week. Followed by Sub- Compact Luxury Crossover +0.16%.

Wholesale Market Commentary 

The Canadian market’s decline continued, with a slightly steeper decrease than last week. Truck values fell 0.35%, while Car values declined 0.34%. Just over 45% of market segments saw average value movements greater than ±$100. 

Auction sale rates ranged from 21.9% to 79.4%, averaging 46.6%, influenced by seasonal trends, political conditions, and firm seller floor prices. 

Auction inventory increased slightly, though upstream channels continue to receive priority access. Demand for high-quality vehicles remains strong on both sides of the border.

Used Retail Prices & Listing Volume

The average listing price for used vehicles is slightly decreasing, as the 14-day moving average was at $37,900. This analysis is based on approximately 169,000 used vehicles listed for sale on Canadian dealer lots.

Market Insight

Economics & Government

• Canadian and US trade negotiators remain locked in intense discussions to strike a deal and prevent the imposition of additional, 50% tariffs next week on a variety of exports.
• The yield on Canadian 10-year government bonds has increased slightly to 3.52%. The Canadian dollar is around $0.718 this Monday morning, a slight increase from $0.714 a week prior.

U.S. Market

• Wholesale depreciation moderated last week, with Cars declining -0.34% and Trucks/SUVs falling -0.53%, while auction conversion remained healthy at 57%.
• Buyer activity remained strong but increasingly selective, as pricing outcomes varied widely based on condition, configuration, and retail appeal, with desirable inventory commanding stronger results while mainstream crossovers and select late-model units continued to face pricing pressure.

Industry News

• Kia EV3 launches as Canada’s lowest-priced EV— The new EV3 starts at $39,744 including freight and PDI, before the EVAP rebate, positioning it below both the Kia EV4 and Tesla Model 3. The entry model offers 356 km of range, while higher trims extend that to as much as 517 km, with deliveries expected to begin by the end of the month.
• Stellantis considers closing its Brampton assembly plant— Stellantis says it is now seriously considering shutting down the Brampton, Ontario facility after previously exploring other options, including producing models from Chinese EV partner Leapmotor or selling the plant. The possibility of closure marks a significant new development for the facility.
• Vehicle thefts continue to decline across Canada— About 20,759 vehicles were reported stolen during the first half of 2026, representing a roughly 10% decline from last year. Atlantic Canada recorded the smallest decrease at 4.1%, while Alberta saw the largest improvement, with thefts falling 15.1%.
• Stellantis lowers Pacifica pricing as minivan demand strengthens— Responding to increased demand for minivans, Stellantis has reduced the starting price of the Pacifica by $4,200 to $52,995 while also increasing production. The more budget-focused Grand Caravan remains unchanged at $49,995 for the 2027 model year.