South Africa (MSA) last year notched up another 12 months of growth, with the Indian brand selling 3 861 vehicles, compared with 1 772 units in 2011 and 1 555 in 2010. This means that sales of MSA’s Mahindra and SsangYong passenger cars and light commercial vehicles grew by 118% in 2012.

Dealer numbers also grew from 34 in 2011 to 59 in 2012.

MSA hopes to build on last year’s success with a 50% increase in sales in 2013, says CEO Ashok Thakur.

It is hoped that a revised product range, an increased dealer network and growing marketing spend will lure more South Africans to MSA’s showrooms in 2013.

MSA will this year unveil the Mahindra Quanto compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) and the big multipurpose (MPV) SsangYong Rodius Tourismo to the local market.

“These solid results, with growth not only in sales of our products but also in the size of our dealer network, signal a high level of acceptance for the Mahindra and SsangYong brands in a market where we have been active for only nine years,” says Thakur.

“It is particularly encouraging that these are the fruits of a comprehensive and successful turnaround strategy which puts the company in a strong position for growth after the economic woes of 2008 and 2009.”

The rising star in the Mahindra stable for 2012 was the XUV500 SUV, with sales of 1 203 units. However, it is the Scorpio PikUp that remained the highest volume seller, at 1 423 units.

In addition, big improvements were made in parts availability and improving customer satisfaction in terms of sales and after-sales service, says Thakur.

The top-selling outlets for 2012 were Mahindra Motorland East London, Mahindra Bloemfontein and Mahindra Centurion.

MSA currently supports a local vehicle parc of 18 000 units.

“What all of this means is that Mahindra is determined to become an increasingly significant player in the Southern African region,” says Thakur.

“The combination of upcoming new and revised models, a growing and strengthening dealer network with an expanding area of responsibility, as well as a motivated management team, makes us very confident about the future of our company.”