New vehicle sales in South Africa declined by 4.6% in November, to 50 806 units, compared with the same month last year.

Commenting on the statistics, issued by the Department of Trade and Industry, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) said on Monday that the latest new vehicle sales data reflected the effects of a slowing domestic economy and a moderation in consumer demand. Supply disruptions owing to the ongoing strike in the car carrier industry also played a role.

During October, 34 267 new passenger cars were sold – a 5.9% drop compared with the same month last year. 

Sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses, at 13 719 units, were down 4.3%.

Sales of medium trucks and big vans improved 12.7% to 1 003 units, with heavy trucks, at 1 817 units, up 12.5%.

“The continuing strength in sales of trucks is indicative of spending on infrastructural related projects and suggested some improvement in capital investment trends,” noted Naamsa.

Vehicle exports were down 4.8%, to 27 154 vehicles, as local manufacturers continued their struggle to win back production lost during the seven-week strike in the automotive industry in September and October, with the car-carrier industry strike also causing disruptions in supply.

Naamsa expected 2013 exports to reach about 281 000 vehicles compared with the 278 000 vehicles exported in 2012.

However, the momentum of vehicle exports was expected to improve in 2014 as export programmes ramped up in the new year.

Top Sellers in November:
Cars and Bakkies:

1. Toyota Hilux 3 561
2. Toyota Etios 2 591
3. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 2 377
4. Ford Ranger 1 937
5. Volkswagen Polo 1 618
6. Toyota Quantum 1 291
7. Chevrolet Utility 1 279
8. Toyota Fortuner 1 264
9. Ford Figo 1 172
10. Isuzu KB 1 171

Medium Trucks and Vans:

1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 207
2. Isuzu N-Series 175
3. Hino 300 Series 163

Heavy Trucks:

1. UD Trucks UD-H 137
2. Hino 500 Series 128
3. Isuzu F-Series 127

Extra-Heavy Trucks:

1. Volvo FH 141
2. Mercedes-Benz Actros 134
3. UD Trucks Quon 111

Buses:

1. Mercedes Bus 28