Domestic new truck sales ticked up 4.7% month-on-month in October, with sales of 2 876 units.

According to the latest statistics released by the Department of Trade and Industry, the truck market is up 2.09% for the first ten months of the year compared with the same period last year.

“As has been the case for most of the year, the growth has been achieved on the back of impressive results in the extra-heavy commercial vehicle (EHCV) and bus segments,” says UD Trucks Southern Africa acting MD Rory Schulz.

The EHCV segment grew 6.84% in October, resulting in 9.02% growth year to date, to reach a ten-month total of 11 833 units.

The heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) segment has bounced back, with this segment of the market, at 4 448 units, showing positive year-to-date growth for the first time in five months, at 1.09%.

Sales in the medium commercial vehicle segment, however, have declined by 6.51% over the first ten months of 2014, to 8 942 units. 

Although bus sales have dropped by 5.13% during October, the segment’s year-to-date growth is at 15.15%, to reach 1 011 units. 

Breaking down October’s sales statistics, growth in the EHCV market flowed from the heavy construction, inter-regional and long-haul segments, says Schulz.

The positive results can be attributed to a recovering economy and the development of several key infrastructure projects.

In addition, the Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) recovered to 50.8 in September, and to 51.8 in October.

“This was the first time that the PMI rose above 50 in five months, and another indication that there is an expansion in manufacturing activity following months of weakness,” notes Schulz.

“This also ties in with the HCV segment’s performance, which has reported two successive growth months in September and October.” 

While the current difficult trading conditions are expected to persist in the short term, the truck market has continued to outperform expectations, and is likely to achieve moderate growth on 2013’s sales results, adds Schulz. 

UD Trucks rallied during October to sell 399 new vehicles – the brand’s best performance since August 2008. 

The local arm of the Japanese truck maker in October also reclaimed the top position in the HCV segment.