NAAMSA vehicle sales statistics for May indicate continued support for an elevated sales trend with a total of 39 176 sales recorded for the month (including non-detailed sales by importers). This places year-to-date sales 24.6% ahead of 2009 although consideration must be given to the fact that the first part of 2009 was when the full impact of the economic downturn was felt.
“One measure that provides a very good insight into the strength of the industry is the number of sales recorded per selling day at dealer level,” says Malcom Gauld, GMSA Vice President Sales and Marketing. “If you compare that number for April and May 2010 there is a difference of only three odd sales per day which would indicate that demand has stabilised, albeit at a higher level than anticipated going into 2010.
“One measure that provides a very good insight into the strength of the industry is the number of sales recorded per selling day at dealer level,” says Malcom Gauld, GMSA Vice President Sales and Marketing. “If you compare that number for April and May 2010 there is a difference of only three odd sales per day which would indicate that demand has stabilised, albeit at a higher level than anticipated going into 2010.
“External influences, including industrial action within the vehicle supply chain, especially the protracted Transnet strike, will have impacted on new vehicle sales as some customers would have been forced to defer taking delivery into June.
“On balance vehicle sales in May were better than expected, supported to quite some extent by new model activity. This has created renewed buyer interest with an associated increase in showroom traffic as buyers compare vehicle attributes.
“The Chevrolet Corsa Utility’s ability to fulfil the dual roles of workhorse during the week and leisure vehicle on the weekend makes it a popular choice with buyers of varying backgrounds. Its unmatched popularity has seen the Corsa Utility continue as the top-selling half-ton LCV with an unbroken segment leadership for 62 months now,” says Gauld.
Economic pressure on private buyers, especially at the entry level, is a concern even though the cost of finance has been significantly reduced by reductions in the lending rate. Finance providers are still cautious given the upheaval of the past 18 months and the requirements of the NCA are difficult to comply with for many first time new vehicle buyers.
“With five months of the year gone the outlook is for the motor industry to exceed our initial expectations which were based on an estimated growth of around 5% for the year. There is scope to expand that to between 10 and 15%, nowhere near the explosive growth seen in 2005 through 2007 but growth that will certainly relieve some of the stress felt in the industry since late 2008.”
STORY BY GENERAL MOTORS
No comments:
Post a Comment