The latest National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa [NAAMSA] figures were released today and it’s still not great news.
A steady decline in the overall new vehicle market continued into August 2019. NAAMSA confirmed that aggregate domestic sales at 45 537 units reflected a decline of 2 440 units or 5.1% from the 47 977 vehicles sold in August last year. Monthly export sales had registered further strong gains in line with industry expectations. Particularly noteworthy was the fact that the August 2019 export figure of 44 566 vehicles was the highest monthly total on record.
Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini-buses at 14 041 units during August 2019 had recorded an increase of 71 units or a modest gain of 0,5% from the 13 970 light commercial vehicles sold during the corresponding month last year.
The top five in the bakkie segment is particularly noteworthy this month, mostly because of the placement of the Ford Ranger.
In first place we find the Toyota Hilux with a grand total of 3 565 units. In second place, we find the Nissan NP200, which sold a total of 2 301. In third place is the Ranger, which sold a total of 2 295.
The Isuzu D-Max took fourth place with 1 133 units, while the combination of Nissan Hardbody (92) and NP300 (708) took fifth with 800 units sold.
