2013's new vehicle sales picture ended off on a subdued note. According to Naamsa, a total of 46 406 units were sold in December, a mere 0.2 percent sales increase over the same month in 2012.
A YEAR OF SLOW GROWTH
The year as a whole saw sales volumes increase by 3.2 percent to 650 620 units, which was a much smaller gain than in previous years - considering that year-on-year sales grew by 9.0 percent in 2012, 16.1 percent in 2011 and 24.7 percent in 2010.
Naamsa attributes the slowing growth to a general slowdown in the economy, coupled with above average vehicle price inflation on the back of a weaker rand.
In line with the tougher times, South Africans are also keeping their vehicles for longer, according to Rudolf Mahoney, Head of Research at WesBank.
“The replacement cycle bottomed during May 2013 at 35 months, down from 45 months recorded in September 2010. Our average deal duration on new vehicles has increased to 37 months, up from 36 months in December 2012. Used vehicle replacement now comes up in 33 months on average compared to 31 months in December 2012.”
TOUGH YEAR AHEAD?
Naamsa expects a difficult year ahead for the industry, due to modest growth in the South African economy - projected at 2.9 percent for the year - and higher-than-inflation new vehicle price increases.
“The weakness in the Rand during 2013 against major international currencies - a depreciation on a trade weighted basis of over 20% - has resulted in significant cost pressures in respect of imported content (used in locally manufactured vehicles) and imported vehicles,” Naamsa said in a statement.
Potential silver linings, according to Naamsa, include low interest rates, strong rental company demand and a substantial ramp-up in public sector infrastructure spending.
DECEMBER 2013 NUMBERS
Toyota ruled the roost again with 9881 units sold, ousting Volkswagen (8172) and Ford (6055).
AMH/AAD, which distributes Hyundai and Kia, continues to withhold individual sales figures, but reported total sales of 5360 units, placing the group in fourth place in the market, ahead of GMSA (4467) and Mercedes-Benz (2778).
Sales data provided by RGT Smart .
50 TOP SELLERS: DECEMBER 2013
1. VW Polo Vivo - 2899
2. Toyota Hilux - 2659
3. Toyota Etios - 1865
4. Ford Figo - 1589
5. Ford Ranger - 1508
6. VW Polo - 1460
7. Toyota Corolla/Auris - 1305
8. Isuzu KB - 1260
9. Mercedes C-Class - 1221
10. Nissan NP200 - 1041
10. Toyota Quantum - 1041
12. Chevrolet Utility - 1026
13. Toyota Fortuner - 849
14. VW Golf - 700
15. Ford Ikon - 659
16. Audi A4 - 597
17. Renault Clio - 560
18. Ford Fiesta - 549
19. BMW 3 Series - 537
20. Ford Focus - 465
21. VW Jetta - 408
22. Toyota Avanza - 387
23. VW Tiguan - 356
24. Ford EcoSport - 338
25. Toyota RAV4 - 336
26. Mercedes A-Class - 312
26. Toyota Yaris - 312
28. Ford Kuga - 306
29. VW Amarok - 282
30. Chevrolet Spark - 279
31. Renault Duster - 277
32. Chevrolet Cruze - 268
33. Toyota Land Cruiser PU - 259
34. Nissan NP300 - 244
35. Ford Everest - 225
36. Chevrolet Captiva - 224
37. Chevrolet Aveo - 220
38. Range Rover Sport - 211
39. BMW 1 Series - 209
40. Honda Brio - 197
41. Mercedes E-Class - 195
42. Audi Q3 - 194
43. VW T5 Kombi - 177
44. Mazda BT-50 - 173
45. Honda CR-V - 169
46. Toyota Prado - 162
47. Audi A3 - 154
48. Chevrolet Sonic - 153
48. Land Rover Discovery - 153
50. Nissan Micra - 151