New vehicle sales in South Africa decreased by 2.9% in October, to 56 927 units, compared with the same month last year.

Vehicle exports were down 15.1%, to 21 125 vehicles, as manufacturers struggled to win back production lost during a seven-week strike in the local automotive industry.

During October, 40 102 new passenger cars left showroom floors – a 4.4% drop compared with the same month last year. 

Sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses, at 14 125 units, were up 0.2%.

Sales of medium trucks and big vans improved 10.5% to 996 units, with heavy trucks, at 1 704 units, up 2.2%.

Commenting on the statistics, compiled by RGT Smart and issued by the Department of Trade and Industry on Friday, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) said lower economic growth and above-inflation new vehicle price increases would contribute to a “more difficult trading environment, and further moderation in sales growth momentum” for the remainder of the year.

However, “despite a less promising outlook for the automotive sector, the year as a whole would still represent the second or third best year on record in terms of domestic sales”.

Also, as a result of the recent labour action, Naamsa expected 2013 vehicle exports, originally forecast to be 336 000 units, to end the year at around 290 000 units.

“The momentum of vehicle exports should, however, improve in 2014 as export programmes ramped up again.”

Top Sellers in October:

Cars and Bakkies:

1. Toyota Hilux 2 894
2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 2 616
3. Toyota Etios 2 392
4. Volkswagen Polo 1 920
5. Toyota Quantum 1 540
6. Ford Ranger 1 516
7. Ford Figo 1 404
8. NP200 1 284
9. Isuzu KB 1 232
10. Chevrolet Utility 1 214

Medium Trucks and Vans:

1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: 185
2. Isuzu N-Series 183
3. Hino 300 Series 178

Heavy Trucks:

1. UD Trucks UD-H 114
2. Isuzu F-Series 108
3. Hino 500 Series 67

Extra-Heavy Trucks:

1. Volvo FH 159
2. Mercedes-Benz Actros 150
3. F-L Argosy 124

Buses:

1. MAN Bus 30