According to Naamsa, the South African automotive industry’s May 2019 export sales registered an “unexpected decline”, reflecting a year-on-year fall of 8,8 percent, with 29 850 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 May, the Volkswagen Group retained the top spot, exporting 9 399 examples (up 127 units) of its Polo hatchback from Uitenhage. The BMW Group climbed one spot to second, with its Rosslyn plant churning out 6 628 examples of the X3 for foreign markets, representing an increase of 899 units compared with the preceding month.
Ford, meanwhile, moved up two places to third, shipping off 5 388 units (comprising 5 385 units of the Ranger and three of the Everest) from its Silverton facility in the month. This represents an increase of 1 358 units over April.
And Mercedes-Benz? Well, the local arm of the German firm fell two spots to fourth, with 3 891 units of the C-Class exported from its East London plant. This represents a substantial fall of 4 667 units, month on month.
Toyota, meanwhile, dropped one to fifth place, with an export figure of 3 614 units, including 3 230 examples of its Hilux, 306 units of the Fortuner, 71 of the Corolla sedan and two of the Corolla Quest (all built at its Prospecton factory) plus five vehicles from its Hino trucks division. This total is down 1 205 units on the Japanese firm’s effort in April.
Nissan remained in sixth, with its exports climbing 123 units to 447 (made up of 424 Hardbody units and 23 units of the NP200), while seventh-place Isuzu improved by 10 units to total 241 (including 232 units wearing the D-Max badge and three with the KB badge, plus two MU-X units and four vehicles from its truck division).
For reference, see April 2019’s list here…
Biggest exporters for May 2019:
1. Volkswagen Group: 9 399
2. BMW Group: 6 628
3. Ford Motor Company: 5 388
4. Mercedes-Benz: 3 891
5. Toyota: 3 614
6. Nissan: 447
7. Isuzu: 241
