SASKATCHEWAN’S 2008 NEW VEHICLE SALES FIGURES ROBUST

Saskatchewan ranks second in the country in new motor vehicle sales for 2008. According to the latest figures from Stats Canada, new motor vehicle sales were up by 8.6 per cent, compared to 2007. Newfoundland and Labrador led the country at 11.3 per cent.

Saskatchewan motor vehicle dealers moved 49,479 new units in 2008, compared to 2007 (seasonally-unadjusted). The province's percentage increase in 2008 was the highest in the west, and exceeded the national average of -0.9 per cent.

"These latest figures show that Saskatchewan's economy maintained strength despite the turmoil in global markets," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said on behalf of Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart. "We encourage the people of our province to continue feeling confident about the economy. We know it is the best place in the country to weather the current economic storm."

Nationally, new motor vehicle sales decreased by 21.0 per cent in December 2008 (seasonally-unadjusted). All 10 provinces saw a decrease in December 2008, compared to December 2007. Saskatchewan ranked seventh in terms of percentage change among the provinces. New motor vehicle sales in Saskatchewan decreased by 15.8 per cent in December 2008 to 3,432 units, compared to December 2007. New motor vehicle sales were down in Manitoba (-2.4 per cent), Alberta (-23.3 per cent) and B.C. (-31.8 per cent).

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For more information, contact:

Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503