FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA’S RESPONSE
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA) new vehicles sales remain under pressure on the back of continuing economic pressures. NAAMSA reported that 43 214 units were sold in May of this year. This represents a massive 24.6% decrease on the corresponding month in 2007 and an 8% drop over the previous month.
Passenger vehicles accounted for 25 460 units while the light commercial vehicle sector closed at 14 860 units sold.
“The industry is certainly feeling the effects of the high interest rates as well as the high fuel prices,” explains Jacques Brent, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA). “We are seeing sales rates that we have not seen since 2004. With an almost guaranteed interest rake hike next week we can expect the current sales pace to continue for the balance of the year.”
FMCSA retailed 4 786 units just 2.6% down on April’s figures. Of that, 2 584 units were passenger vehicles while 2 022 units were light commercial vehicles The Mazda2 remains the companies top selling passenger model with 517 units sold while the Ford Focus was the top selling Ford passenger vehicle at 341 units. The Bantam topped Ford’s commercial vehicle sales charts with 1 004 units sold.
“While the motor industry as a whole is feeling the effects of the greater economic pressures, FMCSA has shown a steadier decline with sales down by just 2.6% over the previous month,” continues Brent, “this is largely due to the launch of new models especially in our Mazda line-up, which have been favorably received.”
TOP PERFORMING NEW PASSENGER VEHICLES May 2008
- VW Polo/Classic 2 368
- Toyota Yaris 1 818
- Toyota Corr/RunX/Vers/Auri 1 695
- Mercedes C-Class 1 175
- VW CitiGolf 1 113
- Opel Corsa 812
- VW Golf A5/Jetta A5 807
- BMW 3-Series 777
- Mazda2 517
- Toyota Avanza 513
TOP PERFORMING NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES May 2008
- Toyota Hilux 2 382
- Toyota Quantum 2 058
- Opel Corsa Utility 1 850
- Isuzu KB 1 432
- Nissan Hardbody 1 262
- Ford Bantam 1 004
- Ford Ranger 684
- Nissan 1400 523
- Mitsubishi Colt 449
- Mazda BT-50 415
Source: Naamsa
