FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA’S RESPONSE
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA) has reported that new vehicles sales recovered slightly during the month of March. With 52 240 units sold during the course of the month sales increased by 3% over February sales.
While the market was slightly up when compared to the previous months sales the trend remains negative with a decrease of 18% over the corresponding month in 2007. Passenger vehicles accounted for 31 047 units while the remaining 17 755 vehicles sold were commercial vehicles.
“While sales were slightly up on those of the previous month the overall market sentiment remains unchanged with tough times ahead,” explains Jacques Brent, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “With fuel prices continuing to escalate and rumours of another interest rate hike consumers are certainly exercising caution.”
Despite the difficult trading conditions Ford Motor Company is enjoying a strong performance in the market with sales up by 12% over the previous month’s figures. This equates to FMCSA having the second highest number of vehicles sold by a manufacturer. Of the 6 924 vehicles sold by FMCSA 3771 were passenger vehicles and 3 156 vehicles were commercial vehicles.
The Fiesta was Ford’s best passenger vehicle offering with 688 units sold, an increase of more than 20%. The recently crowned South African Car of the Year, the Mazda2 increased its numbers by 10% with 778 units sold and was Mazda’s top performer. The Ford Bantam remains the brand’s top selling commercial vehicle with 1 777 units sold.
“We can certainly expect tough times in the coming months especially with exchange rates at current levels,” continues Brent. “We are however delighted with the performance of Ford Motor Company despite the difficult conditions. Sales were up on all fronts, we have a strong product line-up that is holding up very well in the market. Mazda enjoyed its best sales month since 2002 showing the growing strength of the brand.”
TOP PERFORMING NEW PASSENGER VEHICLES March 2008
-
Toyota Yaris 2 469
-
Toyota Corr/RunX/Vers/Auri 2 329
-
VW Polo/Classic 2 199
-
Mercedes C-Class 1 799
-
BMW 3-Series 1 359
-
VW CitiGolf 1 210
-
Opel Corsa 910
-
Toyota Fortuner 842
-
Mazda2 778
-
VW Golf A5/Jetta A5 775
TOP PERFORMING NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES March 2008
-
Toyota Hilux 2 949
-
Opel Corsa Utility 2 066
-
Ford Bantam 1 777
-
Isuzu KB 1 719
-
Toyota Quantum 1 700
-
Mitsubishi Colt 916
-
Nissan Hardbody 843
-
Ford Ranger 783
-
Mazda BT-50 561
-
Nissan 1400 514
Source: Naamsa
