Auto sales slip in February

Sales of new motor vehicles slipped by 0.4 per cent in February, Statistics Canada said Tuesday.

Consumers bought 136,767 new vehicles during the month, a decrease of about 600 vehicles compared to January.

Statistics Canada said month-to-month movements in auto sales continued to be relatively subdued following major sales swings throughout much of 2005, which were influenced by "employee pricing" and other special incentive programs.

While February's sales were off, preliminary figures from the auto industry indicate sales in March increased by about one per cent.

Both passenger car and truck sales gained during the month, Statistics Canada said.