VOLKSWAGEN HAD A GREAT DECEMBER

During December, a total of 29 787 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. (This figure includes an estimate of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (Pty) sales for December 2011 developed using historical data, trend cycle and seasonal influences after a precautionary global directive by Daimler AG in Germany that it, for the time being, discontinued participation in the South African Automotive Industry’s domestic new vehicle sales and export sales reporting.) 

Total new passenger car sales in December declined by 7.1% when compared to November, but grew by 15.5% when compared to December 2010. This brought full-year 2011 sales of new passenger cars in 2011 to an estimated level of 395 439, 17.3% higher than the full-year new car market for 2010.

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) ended the year much as it had throughout 2011 – at the top of the passenger car market – with sales totalling 7 135 vehicles during December – a substantial 23.9% of the market.

“The Polo and Polo Vivo Brands were once again responsible for this remarkable achievement – with sales of 2 114 and 3 060 sales respectively.  This equates to 17.3% of the passenger market, an achievement we’re exceptionally proud of,” said VWSA Sales and Marketing Director, Mike Glendinning.

“Audi finished 2011 with total annual sales of 14 523 – its highest since 13 006 in 2006. Once again, the A4 was Audi’s top seller during December.”

“The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Brand recorded sales of 800 units during the month, with the Amarok Single and Double Cab pick-ups accounting for 599 of these,” said Glendinning.