TORONTO -

Although Canada experienced a rough patch in new-vehicle sales — which were down almost 5 percent last month — several automakers appear to be doing quite well on the certified pre-owned front.

For one, Toyota Canada — which continues to rebuild from the aftermath of this year’s quake in Japan — notched its best July ever for CPO. Mercedes-Benz Canada also told Auto Remarketing Canada that July marked the most accelerated growth it has experienced all year.

Others are also reporting significant certified growth and shared their monthly certified results with Auto Remarketing Canada.

Beginning with the Toyota brand, its certified sales reached 2,117 during July, up from 2,058 sales a year ago.

Through July, its yearly CPO sales have climbed from 12,355 to 14,087 units.

"Toyota certified pre-owned vehicles give buyers piece of mind. July 2011 was our best July ever for Toyota CPO,” said Toyota Canada spokesperson Melanie Testani. She added that five Toyota-brand models and one Lexus vehicle were honored this year in the Canadian Black Book Best Retained Value Awards.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz moved 1,268 CPO units in July, up 41.7 percent year-over-year. Its CPO sales through July totaled 7,392 vehicles, a gain of 25 percent.

“July posted a 42-percent increase, which is the strongest growth we have ever seen year-over-year. We held our 125th anniversary event, which certainly contributed to the month’s success,” explained Neal Bodack, Mercedes’Benz vice president of pre-owned, fleet and remarketing.

“We also have the proper infrastructure in place and the right mix of cars in inventory which has resulted in a win-win situation for both our customers and our dealers,” Bodack added.

Next up, Volkswagen posted CPO sales of 1,067 units during the month, down from 1,147 in July 2010. Year-to-date sales, however, are up from 6,590 units to 6,622 vehicles.

“Our CPO sales results are right in line with our performance from last year,” said Thomas Tetzlaff, VW Canada spokesperson. “We are pleased to have such positive results to go along with our outstanding new-vehicle sales numbers.”

Audi Canada’s CPO sales improved about 17 percent year-over-year and came in at 373 units.

“Year-to-date, we have sold 2,377 CPO vehicles which is 25 percent ahead of the same period last year,” said Jonathan Breton, manager of certified pre-owned and corporate sales. “In particular, Western and Central Canada showed great strength in pre-owned sales, respectively posting 40-percent and 30-percent increases over last July.”

Continuing on, Volvo moved 126 certified units in Canada during July, up from 62 a year ago. The company introduced a new CPO program in April and has since sold 478 certified rides. In the same time frame of 2010, Volvo moved 272 certified vehicles.

"Volvo has always maintained a stronghold in the eyes of Canadian consumers and our July CPO sales figures are reflective of this relationship,” stated Emanuel Lichtinshtein, national fleet sales, CPO & remarketing manager. “Canadians look to Volvo because we provide reliable luxury vehicles with industry-leading safety, innovative technology and dynamic handling characteristics."

Lichtinshtein added: “These positive figures are reflective of Volvo’s strong product offering in Canada. We surpassed our goals for this period and are confident we will continue this growth momentum throughout the year.”

At BMW Canada, BMW’s CPO sales dropped 5.9 percent year-over-year in July, coming in at 1,078 units. Through the first seven months of the year, they are up 4.8 percent, though, hitting 7,560 vehicles.

The Mini brand has moved 157 certified units, a 5.3-percent hike. Yearly sales have reached 1,316 CPO vehicles, up 58.3 percent year-over-year.