Cars await transport at a holding lot. New vehicle sales increased 3.5 per cent in October over September, Statistics Canada said. (Paul Sancya/Associated Press)

New motor vehicle sales increased 3.5 per cent to 133,559 units in October after rising in September.

October's sales were 3.2 per cent lower than October 2008.

A spike in sales of North American-built passenger cars contributed to most of October's increase, as sales in the category increased by 7.6 per cent, Statistics Canada said Tuesday.

Sales of foreign-built passenger cars also increased, but by a more modest 2.3 per cent. That more than offset a decline in the category in September.

Sales of new trucks (which include minivans, sport-utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses) rose for a fourth straight month, up 1.6 per cent to 65,558.

Ontario led gains

Regionally, the number of new motor vehicles sold increased in eight provinces in October. With a 3.8 per cent gain, Ontario was the largest contributor to the advance. Sales in Ontario have increased seven out of 10 months in 2009.

The region composed of British Columbia and the territories increased 4.5 per cent in October, following a similar gain in September.

Sales were down by 7.3 per cent in Prince Edward Island and by 2.7 per cent in New Brunswick. New Brunswick's decline follows strong increases in the previous three months.

Preliminary data compiled by the car companies themselves indicate that the number of new motor vehicles sold decreased seven per cent in November.