New car sales still idling upwards

However the June sales were only up 1,95% over May. The year on year percentage should also be seen against rock-bottom sales in June 2009.

June 2010 sales rose by only 763 vehicles to 39 929 according to figures released today, 2 July 2010, by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa).

Passenger cars in the driver's seat

Passenger car sales drove the small increase in the overall market, accounting for 26 810 registrations during June, up 4.2% over last month and 25,8% ahead of June last year.

Volkswagen and Toyota dominated the passenger car sales with the Vivo, Polo and Corolla totalling 3084 units between them. Encouragingly luxury car sales are also on the up with Mercedes C-Class slotting into 4th position with 1140 units followed by BMW 3-Series with a total of 925.

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) were down 2,6% on May to 11 222, but 9,5% up on June 2009.

Commercials perform well

Medium, Heavy and Extra Heavy Commercial Vehicles continued their good May performance during June, with busses taking a 24.3% increase over the same time last year.

"First half sales for 2010 remain positive 23,9% ahead of the same period last year, although this should be considered against very depressed sales conditions last year," says Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Jacques Brent.

"July sales will likely continue to be affected by the hype around the World Cup while consumers remain distracted by the soccer spectacle, but the outlook remains good for continued growth for the remainder of the year."