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The implementation of the nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic since March this year has crippled South Africa's economy.
New car sales dip
Although vehicle sales were allowed in April, it was relatively pointless since vehicle registrations could not be processed until 1 June when vehicle testing, roadworthy, and licencing centres would begin to reopen under stringent protocols.
Have you bought a new car during the lockdown period? Email us, we'd like to know about your experience.
The likes of Volkswagen, Toyota, Ford and Hyundai are usually the front-runners when it comes to new car sales in their respective segments in previous months but the numbers for May is something to get used to.
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It was still a case of VW Polo vs Toyota Hilux during the month of May as both models once again went toe-to-toe with one another, with the only difference being three-figures instead of the normal four-digit volumes we have been used to prior the pandemic.
The Polo and Polo Vivo raked in a combined figure of 1 304 while the Hilux sold 796 units. They were the best-sellers across the country, followed closely by the Isuzu D-Max, and Ford Ranger bakkies with 611 and 538 respectively.
Hyundai also had considerable success during the month of May with the i20 and Grand i10 each bringing in 265 and 421. The Tucson, and Venue also generated healthy sales with 235 and 177 respectively.
Roller coaster numbers
Renault's Kwid city car held the flag high for the French brand with 212 units while the new kid on the block, the Triber, followed closely behind with an impressive 194 cars finding new homes.
Whereas the Swift is usually Suzuki's bread and butter fixture, the roles have been reversed with the new S-Presso leading from the front with a steady 283 units for May.
As one would expect under the current financial climate, the luxury brands didn't post particularly big numbers as the emphasis for buyers was clearly on the more affordable, and more fuel efficient offerings.
As the easing of the nationwide lockdown continues, expect the numbers to increase steadily as the industry begins to recover.
