Although the new-vehicle market showed signs of recovery in May and June, lingering economic uncertainty is forcing dealers to take out their scalpels.

Some suppliers are warning of a financial crunch after months without work, while others say their backs have been put against the wall by automakers unwilling to bend rigid timelines. The larger suppliers are keeping their eyes on the Tier 2 and Tier 3 parts makers.

Unifor is urging the federal government to implement a national auto strategy built around the adoption and manufacturing of zero-emissions electric vehicles. The proposal comes as the federal and provincial governments begin to turn their attention to long-term economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis

The biggest challenge dealers face during the COVID-19 pandemic is connecting with customers who are fearful for their health.

Another pandemic-induced economic shutdown could prove lethal to a weakened auto supply chain, industry experts and executives warn.

The next-generation Edge was supposed to have been launched in June, 2023 on a new platform, said AutoForecast Solutions. But tepid retail sales as well as an increasingly crowded mid-size crossover segment contributed to Ford’s decision to cancel the new program, he said.

Peugeot has not altered its plan to re-enter the North American market as a standalone brand by 2026, even as the coronavirus pandemic disrupts the industry and as its parent company, PSA Group, prepares to merge with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Automotive execs aren't so sure the pandemic is the push customers need to force all sales online. In fact, they insist dealerships are still key.

The federal Liberals are being pressed to implement a new scrappage program — worth 10 times the $300 per vehicle offered during the Great Recession a decade ago — as a way to bring pandemic-weary consumers back into the car market.

With travel still limited, there’s little demand for rentals, and buyers at the lower end of the luxury spectrum "are losing their jobs."

The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association is pushing for the government to revamp the program to allow more businesses to qualify as economic activity resumes.

Unifor and the Ontario government are in discussions with each of the Detroit automakers to administer a day of voluntary COVID-19 testing for autoworkers and their families, union president Jerry Dias said.

As restrictions ease, the pressure for the industry to comply with new health rules is growing.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to reshape the traditional dealership footprint. Some dealers are putting renovations and new builds on hold.

AutoCanada Inc. reported a net loss in the first quarter of $46.9 million as economic shutdowns that began in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out year-over-year retail sales gains.