I am excited about the positive beat coming from dealer showrooms at the moment… July 2010 once again showed noteworthy growth in new vehicle sales when compared with 2009.
With almost 60 per cent of the year behind us we can confidently say that we are sailing with a tail wind and this will ensure sound growth for the remainder of the year. Sales have been characterised by a plethora of new vehicle launches this year.
In fact, dealer showrooms have an almost Disney World Theme Park feel about them, as customers are being treated to some top quality new product releases, almost on a monthly basis.
March saw the introduction of the VW Polo Vivo and well over 12 000 units have already been sold. Hyundai released some new units to coincide with its sponsorship of the World Cup. With a very favorable Korean import currency and a great product, this has to be ambush marketing at its best. (Not in the FIFA framework.)
The launch of the Ford Figo and the new Chevy Spark will ensure fireworks in the entry-level market. It is like a war zone in this segment and customers are going to have a field day as I have never seen such aggressive pricing and value for money.
Timing is, as we know, key in the car business and now is the right time to buy a sub-R125 000 car before the implementation of emissions tax. The sudden influx of so many new entry-level models will provide you with a bewildering choice of cars to choose from.
Come what may, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity, especially with the lower interest rates! Buy well now and you will reap the benefits when you sell your car.
Read the full-length version of CAR used car expert Meyer Benjamin’s State of Play feature in the September 2010 issue of CAR magazine.
