Public holidays hit new vehicle sales for April

THE National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa’s (Naamsa’s) report on the April car sales statistics show that domestic new vehicle sales‚ particularly all categories of commercial vehicle sales‚ had been affected by the many public holidays during the month.

The new vehicles sales statistics for last month were released yesterday.

Supported by incentive packages‚ new car sales held up relatively well‚ Naamsa said.

“Continued strong growth in new vehicle exports had continued during the month.”

New vehicle sales totalled 44 503 units, slightly down from the 46 016 vehicles sold in April last year.

Of the new vehicles sold‚ an estimated 38 780 units, or 87.2%, represented dealer sales; 6.3% constituted sales to the state; 4.2% to industry corporate fleets; and 2.3% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry.

The new car market sales at 30 184 units reflected a decline of 594 units or a fall of 1.9% compared to the 30 778 new cars sold in April last year.

Intense competition in a challenging trading environment had resulted in incentive packages to promote new vehicle sales.

Furthermore‚ a modest recovery in the used vehicle market had also been noticed.

Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles‚ bakkies and minibuses during last month at 12 077 units reflected a decline of 774 units or a fall of 6% compared with the 12 851 for the corresponding month last year.

Naamsa said vehicle exports had continued to contribute positively to South Africa’s current account of the balance of payments.

New vehicle exports at 23 615 units had again registered strong growth compared to the corresponding month last year, rising by 6 813 vehicles or 40.5% compared to April last year.