Johannesburg - South Africa’s new vehicle market showed marginal growth in October, with total sales of 51 866, up 1.7 percent over the same month last year.
Year to date, however, overall sales are down 0.5 percent over 2017, with passenger cars showing a 0.3 percent decline and light commercial vehicles shrinking by 1.6 percent, while medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales have grown by 3.3 percent - which is surely a positive economic sign.
Another ray of hope, according to WesBank’s sales and marketing head Ghana Msibi, is that October saw a significant spike in finance applications, which the finance institution believes could be indicative of an increase in consumer appetite that could translate into growth in the coming months.
On the actual sales charts, Toyota South Africa recorded its best sales month ever, moving 13 342 units, with particularly strong numbers from the Hilux (3352), Corolla Quest (1879) and Yaris (1729).
Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo and Polo hatchbacks took second and third places overall, with 3009 and 2824 respective sales, with Ford’s Ranger following in fourth (2575).
TOP 20 VEHICLE SALES: NOVEMBER 2018
Toyota Hilux3352Volkswagen Polo Vivo3009Volkswagen Polo2824Ford Ranger2575Toyota Corolla Quest1879Nissan NP2001879Toyota Yaris1729Isuzu KB1636Toyota Quantum1483Toyota Fortuner1178Hyundai Grand i10900Ford Fiesta888Toyota Etios885Ford Figo840Kia Picanto781Renault Sandero750Renault Kwid733Nissan NP300 Hardbody721Volkswagen Tiguan684Hyundai i20655