Share

Strikes didn't slow car sales

JOHANNESBURG - Naamsa has released new vehicle sales figures for October 2012 – a month in which more-encouraging performances were reflected, despite strikes at various manufacturing plants.

October 2012 new vehicle sales figures, as reported by Naamsa, have put total domestic sales for the first 10 months of the year 10.1% ahead of sales for the same period in 2011.

EXPORTS HIT BY STRIKES


October 2012’s domestic sales improved by 5519 units (10.5%) to 57 845 from 52 326 while export sales declined by 859 to 24 904.

Sales across the segments, however, maintained their growth and the 41 621 sold for the month reflected an increase of 4795 (13%) compared with the 36 826 of October, 2011. Furthermore, for the fourth consecutive month, the market has been supported by demand from rental companies: such sales accounted for 18.4% of total sales for October.

And while exports of vehicles produced in SA hit a dip in October, the pace was expected to pick up over the last few months of 2012 and into 2013 as various export programmes are ramped up.

The performance of the local automotive sector, however, has continued to surprise and Naamsa suggested there were a number of factors: low interest rates, replacement demand, attractive incentives, a wide choice of models and ongoing model introductions. 

Naamsa said it expected domestic sales to remain on track for the rest of 2012 to record growth of around 10%.

Top performing new passenger vehicles

1 Volkswagen Polo - 2646
2 Toyota Etios - 2625
3 Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 2574
4 Toyota Fortuner -1754
5 BMW 3 Series - 1520
6 Toyota Corolla - 1498
7 Ford Figo - 1353
8 Chevrolet Sonic - 969
9 Toyota Yaris - 830
10 Volkswagen Polo Vivo sedan - 767

Top performing new light commercial vehicles
1 Toyota Hilux - 2283
2 Chevrolet Utility - 1762
3 Nissan NP200 - 1546
4 Ford Ranger - 1511
5 Toyota Quantum - 1238
6 Isuzu KB - 1199
7 Nissan NP300 Hardbody - 991
8 Volkswagen Amarok - 442
9 Mazda BT-50 - 299
10 Nissan Navara - 237
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()