FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA’S RESPONSE
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA) has reported a total of 52 205 units were sold during the month of January. Although there has been a 14% increase over December sales, the downward trend is expected to continue during the course of the year.
When compared to the January 2007 figures, sales appear stable with near identical figures recorded (52 213 in January 2007), however a stock shortage in 2007 coming out of a strong growth year in 2006 meant figures were slightly lower than normal.
Passenger vehicle sales (30 483) were down 4.5% year on year while commercial vehicle sales held strong at 15 302 units, an increase of 7% year on year. “This is in-line with current market trends,” explains explains Jacques Brent, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “As private buyers are struggling with market conditions we are seeing a slowdown in the passenger car market while the light commercial vehicle market appears more stable.”
Ford Motor Company retailed 5 465 units in January. The Fiesta was once again the top selling Ford passenger car with 410 units sold while the Mazda2 had another impressive month with 763 units sold. The Ford Bantam remains the brand’s top selling commercial vehicle with 1 236 units retailed, while the Ford Ranger also featured strongly with 905 units sold.
“Though last week’s announcement that the interest rate would go unchanged came as a relief to South African consumers, buyers are likely to remain cautious in the coming months with difficult trading conditions expected to prevail till the second half of the year. Government Infrastructure expenditure will however as expected provide some compensation,” he added.
Industry pundits are projecting that the new car market will decrease by about 6% during the course of the year, while the light commercial vehicle segment will slow by a more subdued 2%. Sales of medium and heavy trucks and busses are expected to grow by about 8%.
TOP PERFORMING NEW PASSENGER VEHICLES January 2008
- VW Polo/Classic 2 982
- Toyota Yaris 2 702
- Toyota Corolla/RunX/Verso 2 502
- Mercedes C-Class 2 318
- BMW 3-Series 1 555
- VW CitiGolf 1 537
- Opel Corsa 908
- VW Golf/Jetta A5 892
- Mazda2 763
- Toyota Avanza 596
TOP PERFORMING NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES January 2008
- Toyota Hilux 2 632
- Opel Corsa Utility 1 730
- Toyota Quantum 1 589
- Isuzu KB 1 581
- Ford Bantam 1 239
- Ford Ranger 905
- Nissan Hardbody 743
- Mitsubishi Colt 642
- Mazda BT-50 354
- Nissan 1400 353
Source: Naamsa
