Record number of Canadians shopping for cars across border
08.07.2008 14:00
Shopping
- Source: cbc.ca
 New vehicle sales in the U.S. continue to drop, due to surging fuel costs and a slumping economy. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press)A record 151,169 vehicles were imported into Canada from the U.S. in the first half of 2008 — twice the number imported during the same time period last year, according to industry figures released Friday. Consumers seeking prices reflecting the strength of the loonie largely powered the increase, according to the North American Automobile Trade Association — an industry association of brokers who import and export vehicles. "Consumer awareness is certainly a major reason for the increase in import volume," said Brian Osler, president of the North American Automobile Trade Association, in a statement. "Canadians are tuned in to the price differences and know that they can get a great deal by buying an American import. The numbers show people are buying." NAATA estimates import volumes from the U.S. increased more than 55 per cent in both 2006 and 2007. New vehicle sales in the U.S. continue to drop, owing to surging fuel costs and a slumping economy. As demand for larger trucks and SUVs wanes, automakers have scaled back production and are turning their attention to smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles. Toyota Motor Co. reported a 21.4 per cent decline in June in the U.S. while Ford sales fell 27.9 per cent. RelatedInternal LinksGas prices continue to batter automakersGM to raise prices, cut production of SUVs and pickupsFord scales back truck, SUV production as demand wanesConsumer Headlines4 Canadians with salmonella infections linked to U.S. outbreakHealth officials have confirmed that four Canadians have been infected with the same strain of salmonella identified in a U.S. outbreak that has sickened at least 943 people.WestJet occupancy slips as more planes addedDiscount airline WestJet said Tuesday it flew with a smaller percentage of its seats filled for June and its second quarter as the company added capacity.EA's Facebook Scrabble may spell trouble for ScrabulousElectronic Arts Inc. said Monday that this month it will release a Scrabble application, a web program that Facebook members can plug into their profile pages. Bell's internet throttling illegal, Google saysGoogle Inc. says Bell Canada Inc. is breaking Canadian telecommunications law by slowing certain internet traffic, and is urging the CRTC to take action against the company.Toyota plans solar AC for Prius: reportToyota's Prius gas-electric hybrid will become even greener next year with solar-powered air conditioning on some high-end models, The Nikkei reported Monday. Consumer Life FeaturesYOUR INTERVIEWUnwelcome visitorsWildlife expert Corey Lewis on dealing with pestsCONSUMER LIFESpy gadgetsHow to snoop with the best of themHUNGRY PLANETThe ethical eaterBLOGFood BytesDoes your 8-year-old need cholesterol drugs?BLOGComm-OdditiesUK court rules Pringles are potato-light, tax-freePeople who read this also read …
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