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The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa’s new vehicle sales statistics for November 2012, compiled by independent statistical service provider Messrs RGT SMART, showed strong growth over the corresponding month in 2011. Aggregate industry domestic sales improved by 7,3 per cent (from 49 498 to 53 134 units). Total domestic sales for the 11 months remain 9,8 per cent ahead of last year’s corresponding 11 months.
Our of the disaggregated (detailed) reported industry sales of 50 736 vehicles (excluding Mercedes-Benz South Africa, who provides a single total sales number across segments), 82,6 per cent represented dealer sales, 6,9 per cent represented sales to the rental industry, 6,2 per cent to government and 4,3 per cent to industry corporate fleets. Aggregate industry new car sales during November, 2012 had performed well and at 36 686 units (including MBSA) reflected an improvement of 10,9 per cent (3 615 units) compared to the 33 071 new cars sold during November 2011.
Including estimates for MBSA commercial vehicle sales by segment – sales of industry new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini buses at 13 949 units during November, 2012 reflected a decline of 183 units or -1,3 per cent compared to the 14 132 light commercial vehicle sales during the corresponding month last year. Sales of vehicles in the medium and heavy truck segments of the industry at an estimated 902 and 1 597 units, respectively, had recorded an increase of 59 units or 7,0 per cent, in the case of medium commercial vehicles, and an increase of 145 units or 10,0 per cent, in the case of heavy trucks and buses.
Exports of South African produced motor vehicles, including MBSA export sales data, during November, 2012 at 28 541 vehicles had registered an impressive increase of 8 088 units or 39,5 per cent compared to the 20 453 vehicles exported in November last year. Year to date export sales were 1,5 per cent above the corresponding eleven months of 2011.
Despite signs of weakness in the economy, the performance of the South African automotive sector continued to be positive. Factors that continued supporting domestic sales included the historically low interest rate environment, strong replacement demand, the highly competitive trading environment, attractive incentives and new model introductions. In terms of aggregate domestic sales, the industry remained on track during 2012 for growth of around 10 per cent.
