The recession in the domestic new-vehicle market “accelerated significantly” during September, said the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) on Monday.
Statistics released by the Department of Trade and Industry show that September new-vehicle sales declined by 14.3%, to 47 399 units, compared with the 55 303 new vehicles sold in September last year.
Naamsa said all the segments of the market showed double-digit or near-double-digit declines during September.
New-car sales in South Africa dropped by 14.4%, to 31 957 units.
The car rental industry accounted for 19.9% of new cars sold during the month.
September sales of new bakkies, minibuses and vans, at 12 879 units, declined by 14.8%, while sales of medium trucks, at 783 units, dropped by 9%.
New heavy-truck and bus sales declined by 10.8%, to 1 780 units.
New-vehicle exports took a surprising knock during September, said Naamsa, shrinking by 6.5%, or 2 278 units,to 32 876 units, compared with the 35 154 vehicles exported in September last year.
The association expected, however, that new-vehicle exports would improve over the balance of 2016.
It did not have the same positive outlook for the domestic market.
“Given the present difficult economic environment in South Africa . . . the short- to medium-term outlook remains unfavourable.
“Double-digit new-vehicle price increases, low levels of consumer and business confidence and relatively high interest rates will
continue to put pressure on sales, particularly in the new-car market.”
Top-selling Cars and Bakkies in September:
1. Toyota Hilux 3 063
2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 2 822
3. Ford Ranger 2 437
4. Volkswagen Polo 2 426
5. Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest 2 061
6. Toyota Quantum 1 329
7. Ford Fiesta 1 190
8. Toyota Fortuner 1 180
9. Chevrolet Utility 1 126
10. Nissan NP200 1 020