MZANSI CAR SALES ON THE UP

April 2013 proved to be a great month for vehicle sales in South Africa. The Mzansi market saw 34 346 new passenger cars sold, which was a 16.4% increase to the April 2012 sales figure. Overall some 50 920 vehicles were sold, including light commercial and heavy commercials. At these sort of rates we are looking at another 600 000-plus market for the year.

While the 600 000 number looks likely, some industry experts are cautioning against the early popping of the bubbly. They reckon the weaker rand will make cars less affordable, and therefore slow things down in the coming months.

“The new car market is likely to come under pressure in the coming months due the weakening rand. The market will however continue to be supported by the replacement demand, low interest rates, highly competitive trading environment and ongoing introduction of new models,” said Mike Glendinning, Director: Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Group South Africa.

“Sales have grown by 7.5% in the year to date and we expect it to continue at this pace or slightly lower for the remainder of the year,” says Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors.

TOP 10 SELLING PASSENGER CARS: APRIL 2013
Model                              (Units)
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2 231)
2. Volkswagen Polo (1 828)
3. Toyota Etios (1 581)
4. Ford Figo (1 163)
5. BMW 3 Series (1 127)
6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class (857) 
7. Toyota Fortuner (852)
8. Ford Fiesta (718)
9. Toyota Corolla (702)
10. Volkswagen Golf 7 (551)

TOP 10 SELLING LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES: APRIL 2013
Model                  (Units)
1. Toyota Hilux (3 227)
2. Ford Ranger (1 787)
3. Chevrolet Utility (1 628) 
4. Toyota Quantum (1 354)
5. Nissan NP200 (1 348)
6. Isuzu KB (1 047)
7. Volkswagen Amarok (589)
8. Nissan NP300 Hardbody (390)
9. Mazda BT-50 (205)
10. Toyota Land Cruiser Pick Up (196)