According to Naamsa, the South African automotive industry’s August 2019 export sales represented the highest monthly total on record, reflecting a climb of 37,8 percent, with 44 566 units shipped off during the month.
So, let’s take a look at which automakers were the biggest exporters from South Africa for the month.
In August, the Volkswagen Group rocketed back to the top of the pile (after placing fifth in July), exporting a whopping 15 659 examples (up some 12 732 units) of its Polo hatchback from Uitenhage. From what we understand, the firm effectively caught up after a slow month in July caused by a strike at the Port of Ngqura.
Mercedes-Benz thus fell to second place with 8 869 units of its C-Class exported from the East London plant. This represents a decrease of 626 units, month on month.
Ford, meanwhile, dropped one to third, shipping off 7 032 units (comprising 6 982 units of the Ranger and 50 of the Everest) from its Silverton facility in the month. This represents a drop of 2 221 units over July’s effort.
The BMW Group likewise moved down a place to fourth, with its Rosslyn plant producing out 6 514 examples of the X3 for foreign markets, representing a fall of 274 units compared with the preceding month.
Toyota, meanwhile, also dropped a spot to fifth, with an export figure of 5 296 units, including 4 953 examples of the Hilux, 235 units of the Fortuner, 101 of the Corolla sedan (all built at its Prospecton factory) and seven units from its Hino truck range. This total is up 607 units on the Japanese firm’s effort in July.
Nissan remained in sixth, with its exports falling 49 units to 667 (made up of 657 Hardbody units and 10 units of the NP200), while seventh-place Isuzu improved by 82 units to total 363 (including 362 units wearing the D-Max badge, 10 wearing the KB moniker and a single MU-X unit).
For reference, see July 2019’s list here…
Biggest exporters for August 2019:
1. Volkswagen Group: 15 659
2. Mercedes-Benz: 8 869
3. Ford Motor Company: 7 032
4. BMW Group: 6 514
5. Toyota: 5 296
6. Nissan: 667
7. Isuzu: 363
