The aftermarket has shown significant strength with automotive repair and maintenance employment reaching 124.0 thousand, 7.4% above pre-pandemic levels, making it a standout among it automotive sector brethren.

According to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, combined employment across the automotive sector (and closely associated industries) reached 603.5 thousand employees in December 2024, just 0.9% behind the employment total noted in December 2019 before the start of the pandemic. At a more granular level the recovery has been mixed.

The noted growth in the automotive repair segment was joined by the automotive parts and accessories store employment reached 44.0 thousand in December 2024, 4.2% above pre-pandemic results.

However, with re-tooling and structural shifts ongoing, employment in motor vehicle manufacturing remains below pre-pandemic levels, as does employment in motor vehicle parts and accessories manufacturing.

Nevertheless, the two industries accounted for a combined 105.6 thousand employees as of December 2024, and generated many thousands more jobs in direct and indirect spin-offs, says DAC.

While it is the manufacturing side of automotive that is the most vulnerable in the ongoing trade conflict, the tariffs would have a significant impact across all sectors of the industry – higher vehicle prices and a potential recession would impact every aspect of automotive.

“While the pause in some auto tariffs may be a welcome reprieve, the broader pressure on this critical part of Canada’s economy remains,” commented Andrew King, Managing Partner at DAC. He continued, “Jobs on both sides of the border are at risk as long as this needless chaos continues.”

For more information, please feel free to contact Daniel Azarov at daniel@desrosiers.ca.