New vehicle sales growth continues

The total sales for the past 11 months are 16% ahead of the corresponding period in 2010. The year to date export sales reflect an improvement of 17%.

Overall, out of total November 2011 industry reported sales of 49 499 vehicles, 85.7% or 42 411 units represented dealer sales, 5.8% sales to government, 4.9% represented sales to the car rental industry and 3.6% represented industry corporate fleet sales.

Total new car sales of 33 074 units in November are also 12% up on November 2010 even though it reflects a decline in the growth momentum which NAAMSA attributes to fewer sales to the car rental industry (during the previous four months sales to this segment account for between 16.6% and 20% of sales).

Sales of industry new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses at 14 125 units during November, 2011 reflected an increase of 1534 units or a gain of 12.2% compared to the 12 591 units sold in the corresponding month last year. For the first eleven months of 2011, new light commercial vehicle sales were ahead by 11.5% compared to the corresponding period last year.

Exports

Exports of South African produced motor vehicles during November 2011 at 20 480 units reflect a decline of 8084 vehicles or 28.3% compared to the 28 564 units exported during November last year. The latest export sales figures suggested a moderation in demand in various international markets.

NAAMSA says the slow down in the rate of growth in the new vehicle sales cycle was consistent with the slower economic growth recorded in the general economy. Prospects of slower global growth, particularly in developed economies, could impact on industry export sales going forward the association said.

The top 10 best selling passenger cars in November were: