JOHANNESBURG – 2 February 2010 – New vehicle sales sprang into buoyant action in January according to figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa). Albeit in a month often skewed by roll-over purchases out of December, the results show significant gains and start the decade in some of the most positive light the market has seen for some time.
Total market sales for January increased 15,4% on the already depressed January 2009, but showed strong growth (25%) over December. “Even taking into account that December sales were 7,2% down on the previous year, with some of that slowdown no doubt accounting for January sales, the start to 2010 is reassuring,” says vice president Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Jacques Brent.
Passenger car sales rocketed 41% up over December sales and were 20,1% higher than January 2009. Light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales remained fairly stagnant month on month, but grew 9,2% on the same month last year.
“The market should be careful not to become over-zealous by the strong numbers,” warned Brent. “January figures remain skewed by delayed purchase decisions out of 2009. While there is clearly growth being experienced, and what many industry players are planning for in their forecasts, February will display a better indication of where the market may progress to.”
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) continued their strong end to 2009 which had showed growth contrary to the market trend. January sales for the company recorded a 27,7% increases in sales compared to January last year and a further 10,9% increase over December.
With a stronger supply of Fiesta being possible, the popular car grew to greater heights recording over a thousand units in January and our best month since the launch of the new Fiesta,” says Brent. “Taking into account our December growth in LCV sales, our slight decline in January sales in this market was expected and in line with our targets.”
FMCSA expects some recovery during 2010 albeit small. “First quarter sales usually average out on what the market could expect to achieve, but dealers are faced with good January sales, the challenge of February being a short trading month and March reduced by a public holiday,” says Brent. “While the picture looks positive, a sturdier foundation off which to call a decisive trend in sales will hopefully become visible from March onwards.”
TOP PERFORMING NEW PASSENGER VEHICLES January 2010
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Toyota Corolla/Verso/Auris 1 840
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BMW 3-Series 1 742
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VW Polo Classic 1 712
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TOYOTA Yaris 1 195
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MERCEDES C-Class 1 175
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FORD Fiesta 1 081
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VW Citi Golf 966
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OPEL Corsa 650
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TOYOTA Fortuner 612
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MERCEDES E-Class 603
TOP PERFORMING NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES January 2010
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TOYOTA Hilux 2 045
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TOYOTA Quantum 1 230
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OPEL Corsa Utility 1 180
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NISSAN NP300 Hardbody 786
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ISUZU KB 778
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NISSAN NP200 575
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FORD Ranger 558
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FORD Bantam 480
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MAZDA BT-50 310
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MITSUBISHI Triton 180
Source: Naamsa
