New vehicle sales in South Africa decreased by 1.5% in September, to 54 281 units, compared with the same month last year.

Vehicle exports, however, were down 75.1%, to 6 622 vehicles, in September.

Commenting on the statistics, compiled by RGT Smart and issued by the Department of Trade and Industry on Tuesday, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) said export sales “were decimated as a result of the three-week strike action experienced at seven major vehicle manufacturing plants, followed by industrial action in the automotive component industry”.

However, as roughly two-thirds of vehicles sold in South Africa were imported, the impact of the strike on the local market had been muted.

During September, 39 792 new passenger cars left showroom floors – a 0.8% gain compared with the same month last year. 

Sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses, at 12 014 units, were down 9.6%.

Sales of medium trucks and big vans were up 13.9% to 886 units, with heavy trucks, at 1 589  units, up 3%.

“The three-week strike in the vehicle manufacturing industry, with two manufacturers having endured a four-week stoppage, followed by the current strike in the automotive component manufacturing industry, had a devastating effect on the industry, which accounts for approximately 30% of South Africa’s manufacturing output,” noted Naamsa.

“The strike action damaged South Africa’s status as a reliable supplier to international export markets and could well negatively affect future export contracts being awarded to South African automotive manufacturers.

“Labour stability was one of the most important considerations in the decisions by multinational corporations to allocate vehicles for production in South Africa.”

Top Sellers in September:

Cars and Bakkies:
1. Toyota Hilux 2 739
Volkswagen Polo 2 634
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 2 435
Toyota Etios 2 358
Ford Figo 1 690
Ford Ranger 1 435
Chevrolet Utility 1 329
Isuzu KB 1049
Toyota Corolla/Auris 1 005
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 859

Medium Trucks and Vans:
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: 166
Hino 300 Series 130
Iveco Daily 96

Heavy Trucks:
1. Hino 500 Series 118
UD Trucks UD-H 101
Isuzu F-Series 90

Extra-Heavy Trucks:
F-L Argosy 165
Mercedes-Benz Actros 102
Volvo FH 100

Buses:
1. MAN Bus 35