Jan. 16, 2026 | The week’s top stories and AutoTrader’s Baris Akyurek
About this episode
Baris Akyurek from AutoTrader.ca discusses the evolving landscape of Canadian automotive buying behavior, focusing on affordability and market trends. Key insights reveal a disparity between consumer search habits and actual purchases, with the Ford F-150 remaining a top seller. The episode also covers the impact of tariffs on vehicle prices, a significant drop in Tesla sales, and a surge in hybrid vehicle interest amid declining EV sales. Akyurek emphasizes the growing preference for larger vehicles and the influence of technology on buyer decisions.
Canada courts VW, Hyundai plants; no Ford Escape; Tesla sales sink. Plus, AutoTrader.ca Vice-president of Insights and Intelligence Baris Akyurek talks about affordability, Canadian buying behaviour, the used market, EVs, tariffs, and more.
Ford Escape
"...adian Ford dealers are concerned that there is no escape. They say the discontinuation of the long-runnin..."
The Ford Escape is a small SUV that is great for families and everyday use. It's known for being spacious and easy to drive, but there are worries that it might not be available much longer.
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that has been a staple in Ford's lineup for many years, known for its practicality and versatility. Recent discussions have highlighted concerns about its discontinuation, reflecting its importance in the market and among consumers.
Ford Bronco Sport
"...rest comparable crossover in Ford's lineup is the Bronco Sport, but it costs about $6,000 more."
The Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller SUV that is designed for both city driving and outdoor adventures. It's built to handle rough terrain while still being comfortable and easy to drive.
The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that combines rugged off-road capability with modern comfort and technology. It is part of Ford's Bronco lineup, which has been revived to appeal to adventure-seeking drivers and is often compared to other crossovers in terms of price and features.
Chevrolet Corvettes
"So, when we look at the top 10 searched vehicles, there's still like the Corvettes and 911s and, you know, the Mustangs..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast sports car from America. It's famous for its speed and unique look.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and distinctive design. It has a long history and is often considered an American icon in the sports car segment.
Ford Mustangs
"...l like the Corvettes and 911s and, you know, the Mustangs and a couple of German luxury brands in there. B..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car that has been around for a long time, starting in the 1960s. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it a popular choice for people who love driving.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling, it represents a significant part of automotive culture and is often discussed in the context of performance vehicles alongside brands like Corvette and Porsche.
Porsche 911S
"...d vehicles, there's still like the Corvettes and 911s and, you know, the Mustangs and a couple of Germa..."
Ford F150
"the reality is very different with the exception of Ford F-150. Ford F-150 has been the, this was the 11th consecutive year of both top sold and top searched vehicle..."
The Ford F-150 is a large truck that's very popular in America. People use it for work and everyday driving because it's strong and useful.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been one of the best-selling vehicles in North America for decades. Known for its durability and versatility, it is popular for both work and personal use.
battery range
"...but when we think about our EV survey that we run on an annual basis, we know that battery range anxiety is a big issue for consumers."
Battery range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be recharged. It's an important thing to think about when buying an electric car.
Battery range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. It is a critical factor for consumers when considering the purchase of an electric or hybrid vehicle.
range anxiety
"...we know that battery range anxiety is a big issue for consumers. Range anxiety, higher purchase cost and infrastructure..."
Range anxiety is the worry that an electric car won't have enough battery power to get to where you want to go. This can make people hesitant to buy electric cars.
Range anxiety refers to the fear that a vehicle has insufficient charge to reach its destination, which is a significant concern for electric vehicle (EV) owners. This anxiety can deter potential buyers from choosing EVs over traditional vehicles.
hybrid vehicle
"And, you know, when we look at the sales data, we see that consumers are moving towards hybrids, both for new and used vehicles at this time."
A hybrid vehicle is a car that uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment.
A hybrid vehicle combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. This combination allows for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only vehicles.
SUVs
"consumers are preferring larger vehicles, SUVs and, you know, light trucks, they're getting a lot of attention. And obviously, given the demand, OEMs are producing more of those."
SUVs are big cars that can carry more people and cargo. They are popular because they are spacious and can handle rough roads better than regular cars.
SUVs, or Sport Utility Vehicles, are larger vehicles that combine elements of road-going passenger cars with off-road vehicles. They are designed for both passenger comfort and utility, often featuring higher ground clearance and a more rugged build.
light trucks
"And obviously, given the demand, OEMs are producing more of those. So, if you look at these, you both use the new market, they're more and more interested in SUVs and light trucks."
Light trucks are vehicles like pickup trucks and vans that are used to carry stuff or people. They are smaller and easier to drive than big trucks.
Light trucks refer to a category of vehicles that includes pickups and vans, designed primarily for transporting goods or passengers. They are typically lighter than heavy-duty trucks and are popular for both commercial and personal use.
hands-free driver assistance
"On the other hand, when it comes to technology, you know, hands-free driver assistance and, you know, self-driving cars and artificial intelligence..."
Hands-free driver assistance lets you control your car using your voice instead of your hands. This means you can do things like make calls or get directions without taking your hands off the wheel.
Hands-free driver assistance refers to technology that allows drivers to operate their vehicles with minimal physical interaction, often using voice commands or automated systems to control functions like navigation, phone calls, and vehicle settings.
self-driving cars
"...self-driving cars and artificial intelligence and natural voice virtual assistance are becoming more and more embedded in vehicle systems."
Self-driving cars are vehicles that can drive themselves without needing a person to control them. They use special technology to see the road and make decisions on their own.
Self-driving cars, or autonomous vehicles, are equipped with technology that allows them to navigate and operate without human intervention. They use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to understand their environment and make driving decisions.
artificial intelligence
"...and artificial intelligence and natural voice virtual assistance are becoming more and more embedded in vehicle systems."
Artificial intelligence is technology that helps cars think and make decisions like a human would. It can help with things like understanding your voice or recognizing other cars on the road.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in vehicles refers to the use of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognizing objects, and making decisions based on data. AI enhances vehicle safety and user experience.
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