Source: The Canadian Press

New motor vehicles sold decreased 4.2% to 132,867 in March, giving back about half of the gains from the previous month.

Statistics Canada reports lower truck sales were largely to blame for the decline.

The agency says preliminary industry data indicate the number of new motor vehicles sold dropped 5% in April.

Sales of new trucks (minivans, sport-utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses) decreased 5.7% to 67,960 in March.

The number of new passenger cars sold in March fell 2.5% to 64,907 units.

Sales of North American-built passenger cars fell 5.7%, partially offsetting February’s increase, while sales of overseas-built passenger cars rose 1.5%, their third straight monthly increase.

The number of new motor vehicles sold decreased in nine provinces in March, with Saskatchewan recording a 14.1% drop after increases of about 10% in each of the previous three months.

With a 7.6% increase in new vehicle sales, Prince Edward Island was the only province where sales increased in March. This gain offset the declines in January and February.