Export sales consequently grew 8% on last month, out-performing the rest of the local motor industry, which recorded 6% growth. Increased production has steadied supply of Ford Ranger, which remained the country's second-best selling one-ton light commercial vehicle (LCV) with 1 272 sold domestically. FMCSA exported 3 378 Rangers during September.
"Increased production at Silverton has created 800 job opportunities within FMCSA as well as our suppliers and with the first month of running second-shift successfully under our belt. Our world-class manufacturing facility will meet customer demand with the consistent supply of Rangers," said FMCSA's vice president marketing, sales and service, Dean Stoneley.
Mazda BT-50 sales grew 43% during September, only its second full-month of sales since launch. The combined results meant FMCSA LCV sales grew 8% on August when the market declined 2.8% on last month.
Equally, while the passenger car market slowed 2% on August, FMCSA car sales grew 5% driven by yet another strong Figo month. Fiesta and Focus continue to perform well and the majority of sales are still driven through FMCSA dealers directly to motorists.
"The market continues to be driven by government and rental sales," said Stoneley. "Only 74.5% of total South African vehicle sales were done through dealerships during September. FMCSA sustained our dealer channel sales share with 94% of our sales being done directly with motorists on our showroom floors."
The South African new vehicle market was down 2% on August, but 1.4% stronger than September last year. According to the National Automobile Association of South Africa, the total market ended September on 55 111 units.
"The effects of the truck drivers' strike may have some impact on October sales due to pressurised supply of components and stock to manufacturers and importers," said Stoneley. "But the market seems to be at sustainable levels at expected volumes going into the last quarter of 2012."
