January to September 2026 · Based on Auto-Gestion’s news coverage
Looking back at a year of news coverage, one thing stands out: 2026 has been a pivotal year for the Canadian automotive aftermarket. Three major forces have shaped the industry—the arrival of Chinese electric vehicles, a wave of global consolidation, and mounting pressure on shop profitability and labour. Each month below begins with a key Canadian development, followed by other significant events shaping the industry.
January — Canada’s automotive market under pressure.
The Canadian automotive market began the year with moderate growth, amid pricing pressures and rapid technological change. Internationally, CES 2026 put artificial intelligence and solid-state batteries at the centre of the automotive industry’s future.
February — Canada opens the door to Chinese EVs.
A major shift in tariff policy shook up the industry and emerged as one of the defining stories of 2026. That same month, a report estimated that right-to-repair measures could save Canadian motorists as much as $500.
March — Right to repair gains momentum.
Presented as essential to maintaining competition throughout Canada’s automotive maintenance and repair sector, right to repair advanced, with Manitoba legislation welcomed by AIA Canada. In Quebec, an unprecedented mobilization brought industry stakeholders together.
April — Six trends shaping the Canadian aftermarket.
An in-depth report identified six forces expected to shape Canada’s automotive aftermarket in 2026, ranging from workforce challenges to access to vehicle data. Meanwhile, Toyota invested more than $300 million in three Canadian facilities.
May — Boyd Group approaches the billion-dollar mark.
The Canadian collision repair giant broke records with nearly $1 billion in first-quarter sales. At the same time, the first Chinese EVs began arriving in Canada under the new tariff framework.
June — A profitability warning for Canadian shops.
The CRM Collision Index revealed that 68% of Canadian repair shops were less profitable than they were previously, with insurers identified as a major factor. Toyota Canada also posted a record month, with electrified vehicles accounting for 70% of its May sales.
July — UAP strengthens its leadership position.
With SANIQUIP-BERGOR’s acquisition of HYDRALINE, UAP reinforced its position in the heavy-duty vehicle parts market. Globally, Continental sold ContiTech for $4.5 billion as it moved to focus entirely on its tire business.
August — The aftermarket accelerates.
One finding stood out: between 2020 and 2025, Canada’s automotive aftermarket grew three times faster than the country’s vehicle fleet. Meanwhile, AIA Canada raised concerns about the technician shortage, and the AkzoNobel–Axalta merger received 99.97% approval.
September — GM bets on Canada.
General Motors announced more than $1 billion in investments in its Canadian operations, while renewed U.S. tariff threats once again cast uncertainty over the automotive industry.
In summary: Chinese EVs, global consolidation, profitability and labour shortages. These four themes dominated the first nine months of 2026—and are likely to continue shaping the industry through the end of the year.
Photo by Logan Voss
