The economy seems to be stuttering, yet South Africa's new vehicle market is still on a solid growth path, according to the latest numbers released by Naamsa.
The market grew by 7.5 percent compared to the same month last year, with a total of 53 997 vehicles finding homes. 91 percent of these sales took place through the dealer channels.
However, the storm clouds are gathering and the rand's recent plunge is sure to result in above-average new car price increases as the rest of the year unfolds.
Our advice? Find that bargain and buy it now!
On May's sales chart, the Toyota Hilux continues to be South Africa's favourite vehicle - no surprises there - but the VW Polo Vivo was knocked off its passenger sales throne by its more modern sibling.
After a long sabbatical, Mercedes-Benz is now reporting its individual sales figures again and we see that the C-Class remains a strong seller, with sales of just under 1000 units. However, the Naamsa figures still exclude non-reporters like Kia and Hyundai.
TOP 50 - MAY 2013
1. Toyota Hilux - 3076
2. VW Polo - 2688
3. VW Polo Vivo - 2645
4. Chev Utility - 1853
5. Ford Ranger - 1621
6. Toyota Etios - 1507
7. Nissan NP200 - 1476
8. Toyota Corolla/Auris - 1458
9. Isuzu KB - 1364
10. Ford Figo - 1247
11. Toyota Quantum - 1210
12. BMW 3 Series - 1119
13. Mercedes C-Class - 985
14. Toyota Fortuner - 940
15. Ford Fiesta - 829
16. VW Golf - 572
17. Chev Cruze - 546
18. Audi A4 - 534
19. Nissan NP300 - 517
20. Mazda3 - 515
21. VW Amarok - 503
22. BMW 1 Series - 487
23. Chev Spark - 464
24. Renault Clio - 461
24. Renault Sandero - 461
26. Nissan Micra - 422
27. Toyota Avanza - 420
28. Chev Trailblazer - 413
28. Ford Focus - 413
30. Toyota RAV4 - 406
31. Ford Kuga - 404
32. Audi A3 - 375
33. Honda Brio - 371
34. VW Tiguan - 367
35. Chev Aveo - 357
36. Nissan Juke - 336
37. VW Jetta - 327
38. Toyota Yaris - 316
39. Nissan Qashqai - 263
40. Tata Indica/Indigo - 257
41. Mercedes A-Class - 223
42. Honda Jazz - 222
42. Toyota Land Cruiser PU - 222
44. Honda CR-V - 221
45. Jeep Compass - 217
46. Mercedes M-Class - 211
47. Peugeot 208 - 201
48. Land Rover Discovery - 197
49. BMW X3 - 196
50. Chev Sonic - 195
SA'S TOP 5 EXPORTS
1. Toyota Hilux - 7101
2. BMW 3 Series - 5928
3. VW Polo - 3993
4. Mercedes C-Class - 3687
5. Ford Ranger - 3088