Top stories
Marketing & MediaMTN customers get 1GB of free DStv Stream data to watch the Fifa World Cup 2026 when they top up
DStv 15 Jun 2026
More news
Trending
Subscribe & Follow
Advertise your job vacancies
How the fuel hike might impact buying a new car
The impact of the expected fuel price increase in May will be wide reaching, according to George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. Here are three ways this change may affect your next purchase decision:
30 Apr 2019
Image source: Getty/Gallo
- Manufacturers are likely to offer good deals in order to attract sales
- Banks will tighten their belts
- Energy efficiency will become a key purchase decision
Motor manufacturers and retailers are expected to feel the pinch more than ever before. “Manufacturers will consciously keep price increases to the bare minimum, to boost customer sentiment and encourage vehicle sales. Retailers, eager to generate sales, are likely to offer good deals. This will mean that margins at both dealer and OEM level will come under pressure,” says Mienie.
Banks are unlikely to finance as many deals, as some motorists place purchasing decisions on hold. “Motorists are already feeling the pinch. With the next fuel increases, they will have to tighten their belts even further. This may well include delaying the purchase of a vehicle” he says.
Motorists are likely to focus more on economy. “Electric cars are mostly unaffordable to the majority – so it’s unlikely we will see an escalation in the sales of electric cars. However, when buying a new or used car, motorists will take a very close look at fuel consumption. They will shun so-called ‘gas guzzlers’ in favour of more sensible, economical vehicles, including hybrids,” Mienie concludes.
About Naresh Maharaj
Naresh Maharaj is a petrol head who loves cars and writing about them. He is also a Member of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists. Naresh is also an international sports correspondent and an acclaimed corporate MC and voice-over artist. Naresh is a sports/news producer for community radio stations and also an award-winning sports journalist. Contact Naresh on moc.liamg@123jarahamn.