FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA’S RESPONSE
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA), new vehicle sales remain depressed on the back of continuing economic pressures. NAAMSA reported that new vehicle sales declined 6% versus July 2008 with 44 309 units (Including AMH) sold during August. This represents a substantial 30% slump compared to the corresponding month in 2007.
Passenger vehicles accounted for 28 424 units, while the light commercial vehicle segment represented 12 878 registrations in August. MCV & HCV accounted for 969 and 1938 units respectively.
“The light commercial vehicle segment took the brunt of the pressure with a 9% decline versus July 2008 and a massive 43% decline on the same month last year,” explained Jacques Brent, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “Initially, the passenger car market bore the burden of a depressed sales environment but in recent months the passenger segment has steadied somewhat. The light commercial vehicle segment, that has rallied well and buoyed the new vehicle market for most of 2007 & 2008, has began to feel the impact of economic pressures as business gets more directly affected.”
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa retailed 4 336 new vehicles, of which 2 082 were passenger vehicles and 2 254 were light commercial vehicles. “Despite the slump in light commercial vehicle sales, Ford enjoyed a strong month in this segment with Ford Ranger sales exceeding 1000 units for the first time since August 2007,” said Brent.
The Focus was the top selling Ford passenger model with 411 units while Mazda2 was the best Mazda performer with 489 units.
“The staid economic conditions continue to prevail and stunt the growth of the automotive sector with the trend likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Having said that we have some exciting products planned for introduction during the last quarter of 2008 and expect a very positive response to these introductions,” concluded Brent.
TOP PERFORMING NEW PASSENGER VEHICLES August 2008
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Toyota Yaris 2 848
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VW Polo/Classic 2 724
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TOYOTA Corr/RunX/Vers/Auri 1 815
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VW CitiGolf 1 441
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MERCEDES C-Class 1 147
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BMW 3-Series 881
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OPEL Corsa 806
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CHEV Aveo 732
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TOYOTA Fortuner 639
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CHEV Optra 623
TOP PERFORMING NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES August 2008
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TOYOTA Hilux 2 281
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TOYOTA Quantum 1 666
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OPEL Corsa Utility 1 580
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ISUZU KB 1 139
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FORD Ranger 1 037
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FORD Bantam 800
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NISSAN Hardbody 774
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NISSAN 1400 543
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MAZDA BT50 417
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MITSUBISHI Colt 201
Source: Naamsa
