GMSA sees moderation in SA vehicle market

"South African economists are forecasting a rapid escalation in consumer inflation in 2012 compared to last year, which will impact the growth rate. Growth in the South African economy is expected to be around 3% this year," said Ian Nicholls, GMSA vice president of planning.

The car maker recorded a strong sales performance in 2011, having grown sales volumes by 24.4% versus the previous year and almost 10% above the industry growth of 15.6%.

The company's top selling light commercial vehicle, the Chevrolet Utility, remained the number one selling vehicle in the sub-one-ton segment for 81 months in a row, selling 17,736 units last year alone.

These sales results were achieved amid the third generation Utility being launched late last year. "We are looking forward to continued success in the market with the latest generation Utility," said Nicholls.

"This year we are launching eight new vehicles in SA of which six are Chevrolets. This month we are launching the Chevrolet Sonic Sedan, Sonic Hatch diesel and Captiva diesel," said Nicholls.

Added to these six Chevrolet entrants they will be launching two Opel products into the market.

On the manufacturing side, Nicholls said the GMSA was investing R1 billion in new vehicle programmes.

The Chevrolet Spark which is currently imported is going into production at the Struandale plant, Port Elizabeth, at the end of this quarter.