The SA Vehicle Industry Thread

How much the average SA motorist pays each month

WesBank says that its data suggests the average overall cost of motoring is rising fast, despite recent cuts to interest rates and fuel prices, as well as a slowdown in vehicle price inflation.

The credit provider’s monthly mobility basket – which comprises vehicle instalments, fuel, insurance and maintenance costs – has increased 24,2% since July 2013.

WesBank says it tracks these costs monthly, regularly updating the data set to include rising vehicle prices, inflation, interest rate changes, as well as other fluctuating costs based on the cost of ownership for an entry-level vehicle that travels 2 500 km per month.

The company says that for July 2017, the average monthly cost of motoring in South Africa has risen to R7 119,80, which is 6,1% higher than July last year, when the monthly mobility basket was R6 709,53.

Compared to four years ago, the total cost of motoring is now 24,2% higher, says WesBank, with July 2013’s monthly costs having amounted to R5 732,64.

“Seeing how these costs increase over time really helps people identify how important it is to budget properly and plan for the future,” said Rudolf Mahoney, head of brand and communications at WesBank.

“For example, an entry-level car that cost R100 000 in 2007. Today, that same entry-level car costs more than R183 000 – and the associated costs have also increased.”

WesBank says vehicle instalments and fuel spend remain the biggest portions of the monthly mobility basket, however, insurance premiums, vehicle instalments, and maintenance costs account for the highest increases over the past five years, mainly as a result of vehicle price inflation.

Between 2013 to 2017, rising interest rates and higher new vehicle prices saw instalments increase 43,8%. Rising vehicle prices also resulted in higher insurance premiums, which grew 38,6% over the same period, WesBank’s data suggests.

In addition, the average new vehicle financed through WesBank cost R300 181 in June 2017, while the average used vehicle cost R202 796.

While instalments, fuel, and maintenance costs have increased consistently, average monthly fuel spend has actually declined over the last two years. When viewed as a portion of the monthly motoring budget, fuel spend accounts for 31% in July this year. This contrasts with 34% in July 2016, and 39,7% in July 2013.

“Fuel prices are influenced by the exchange rate and the international price of oil, with general inflation playing a far smaller role,” said Mahoney. “In 2013 and 2014, fuel prices were on the rise and the monthly fuel spend was roughly equal to a small vehicle’s instalment. This is no longer the case, but it doesn’t mean the cost of motoring is lower.”

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/how-much-the-average-sa-motorist-pays-each-month/
 
Little relief in sight for SA motorists

The overall cost of motoring is still on the increase, despite recent cuts to interest rates and fuel prices as well as a slowdown in vehicle price inflation.
This is according to the latest data from WesBank, which showed that the monthly mobility basket, which comprises instalments, fuel, insurance and maintenance fees, has increased 24.2 percent since July 2013.

Last week the SA Reserve Bank announced that interest rates would be cut by 25 basis points, a move that will have a positive effect on household budget, consumers with vehicle finance, home loans and credit cards will have more disposable income, as instalments become more affordable.

However, July’s lower fuel prices are forecast to be short-lived as despite this month’s fuel prices being lower than they were during July last year, stronger oil prices and a weaker rand mean an increase is on the cards for next month, said WesBank.

Rudolf Mahoney, the head of brand and communications at WesBank, said the bank’s mobility calculator gave consumers an idea of the total costs associated with vehicle ownership.

“Seeing how these costs increase over time really helps people identify how important it is to budget properly and plan for the future. For example, an entry-level car that cost R100 000 in 2007, today that same costs more than R183 000, and the associate costs have also increased.”

Mahoney said for this month, the WesBank Mobility Calculator reflected that the average cost of motoring rose to R7119.80, 6.1 percent higher than July last year, when the monthly mobility basket was R6709.53 and compared to five years ago, the total cost of motoring is now 24.2 percent higher. He said in July 2013, monthly costs amounted to just R5732.64.

“Vehicle instalments and fuel spend remain the biggest portions of the monthly mobility basket' However, insurance premiums, vehicle instalments and maintenance costs account for the highest increases over the last five years, mainly as a result of vehicle price inflation. Between 2013 and 2017, rising interest rates and higher new vehicle prices saw instalments increase 43.8 percent. Rising vehicle prices also resulted in higher insurance premiums, which grew 38.6 percent over the same period.”

Mahoney said although the calculator was based on pricing for an entry-level vehicle, WesBank’s data also showed that consumers are spending far more on new and used vehicles, influenced by vehicle price inflation. And last month, the average new vehicle financed through WesBank cost R300 181, while the average used vehicle cost R202 796.

Data from TransUnion suggested that new vehicle price inflation was slowing down, yet the effects of this won’t be seen immediately in sales figures, while instalments, fuel and maintenance costs have increased consistently, average monthly fuel spend has declined over the past two years.

Mahoney said when viewed as a portion of the monthly motoring budget, fuel spend only accounted for 31 percent this month, which contrasted with 34 percent in July last year and 39.7 percent in July 2013.

“Fuel prices are influenced by the exchange rate and the international price of oil, with general inflation playing a far smaller role. In 2013 and 2014, fuel prices were on the rise and the monthly fuel spend was roughly equal to a small vehicle’s instalment. This is no longer the case, but it doesn’t mean the cost of motoring is lower.”

Fluctuating fuel prices were one of the reasons that consumers should not base their entire motoring budgets on fuel spend and instead, motorists should take a longer-term view when planning a car purchase, and ensure that their budgets are able to absorb higher maintenance costs and insurance premiums four to five years down the line.

“Interests rate cuts and lower fuel costs are always welcome, but this shouldn’t influence a vehicle purchase. If you’ve budgeted properly these windfalls should be welcome surprises, not financial lifesavers. The smartest move is to plan for rising costs over the duration of your finance contract, and take advantage of price cuts when they happen.”

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/little-relief-in-sight-for-sa-motorists-10436957
 
Best-selling Luxury SUVs in SA: Jeep takes the lead in June

Cape Town - In a surprising turn of events, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the best-selling luxury SUV in South Africa for the month of June 2017, according to Naamsa. With 109 units sold, the big American SUV saw off second place rival, the Range Rover/RR Sport (107 units) to secure the top spot.

Solid sales

The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 (92 units) came in at number three though its sibling, the Prado (56), sold only half of the units it normally does to end the month in fifth place. The Jaguar F-Pace splits the two Toyota SUVs to take fourth place with 65 models sold. Other SUV's to make the 10 include the Porsche Cayenne, Lexus LX, Volvo XC90 and Volkswagen Touareg. Mercedes-Benz and BMW do not report sales data to Naamsa.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_vehicle_sales/best-selling-luxury-suvs-in-sa-jeep-takes-the-lead-in-june-20170706
 
Need a cheap family car? 12 sedans for less than R250 000 in SA

Polo Vivo, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Almera... Looking for a vehicle for your family but concerned about your budget? We list 12 sedans for less than R250 000.

The South African auto industry is still reeling from the economy downgrade to junk status earlier in 2017. As a result, vehicle sales are in decline and high inflation means higher vehicle prices.

An entry-level hatchback won't suffice for a growing family who prioritize luggage space, interior room and overall practically over great looks and speed.

A voluminous boot is needed to handle grocery bags and sports kit. Another high priority is a vehicle that's comfortable during long trips for a family getaway and handle all the luggage that goes with it.

There's a great selection of sedan in SA and some really good buys, all for less than R250 000:

List.jpg

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/Guid...-sedans-for-less-than-r250-000-in-sa-20170725
 
FiestaST said:
Need a cheap family car? 12 sedans for less than R250 000 in SA

Polo Vivo, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Almera... Looking for a vehicle for your family but concerned about your budget? We list 12 sedans for less than R250 000.

The South African auto industry is still reeling from the economy downgrade to junk status earlier in 2017. As a result, vehicle sales are in decline and high inflation means higher vehicle prices.

An entry-level hatchback won't suffice for a growing family who prioritize luggage space, interior room and overall practically over great looks and speed.

A voluminous boot is needed to handle grocery bags and sports kit. Another high priority is a vehicle that's comfortable during long trips for a family getaway and handle all the luggage that goes with it.

There's a great selection of sedan in SA and some really good buys, all for less than R250 000:

View attachment 450885

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/Guid...-sedans-for-less-than-r250-000-in-sa-20170725
Click to expand...
Family sedan and a N/A 1.2 or 55kw does not compute.
 
Rouxenator said:
Yeah, but it has a VW badge so your point is moot.
You can sell dog poop and it will sell like sweet cakes if it has a VW badge.
Click to expand...

To be honest most of those are garbage, except maybe the Tipo.
 
RIP: FORD IS SET TO KILL OFF THE SLOW-SELLING B-MAX

Production of the slow-selling Ford B-Max is reportedly set to cease in September this year.

According to a report out of Romania, Ford plans to pull the plug on production of the mini-MPV at its Craiova factory.

Automarket reports that the latest version of the EcoSport will take its place on the Romanian plant’s assembly line, with an additional 500 workers set to be hired to meet the expected demand for the latest version of the American automaker’s sub-compact SUV.

The Ford B-Max – with its hinged front and sliding rear doors – has not proven a particularly popular product overseas, nor here in South Africa. Indeed, the Fiesta-based has often found itself on our monthly list of worst-selling passenger vehicles in South Africa.

According to Lightstone Auto, Ford sold 438 units of its B-Max in South Africa in 2016, compared to nearly 11 500 examples of its EcoSport.

And, taking a gander at Naamsa’s sales stats, we can see that the company sold just 46 units locally in the first six months of 2017 (while there has not been any official word from Ford SA on the B-Max being discontinued, the local arm already appears to have stopped bringing in the B-Max, with just five registered in the past four months)

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/rip-ford-is-set-to-kill-off-the-slow-selling-b-max/

RIP.jpg
 
You can get a Tipo Easy variation for R249 900 which looks better and has a better spec list compared to the Pop variation and the Hyundai Accent.
 
Sumen said:
You can get a Tipo Easy variation for R249 900 which looks better and has a better spec list compared to the Pop variation and the Hyundai Accent.
Click to expand...

Good observation, although that 91 kW Hyundai 1.6 will be my choice, having a good looking car that cannot match it's looks with performance is an absolute turn off for.
 
NarrowBandFtw said:
Indeed, they're all crap and all overpriced as hell. A mere 10 years ago from today you could get a V6 Toyota Camry for this kind of money ...
Click to expand...

Well, to be fair a 2007 thread about paying R1000 for monthly groceries is currently active, and then think back how much 2l coke and whatever else cost back then...
 
UK car manufacturing record threatened by Brexit and falling consumer confidence

Predictions that a record-breaking two million cars would be built in the UK by 2020 are unlikely to be realised in the wake of falling consumer confidence

Car manufacturers in the UK are unlikely to hit the record-breaking goal of making two million cars a year by 2020 that was previously predicted, as a result of softening demand for new cars in the UK and a slowing of investment in UK car manufacturing facilities in the wake of uncertainty around Britain’s future role in the European Union (EU).

As a result, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) has renewed its calls for an interim trade deal in line with the one in place today, to be agreed while Brexit negotiations are carried out, in order to provide stability for ongoing investment and to provide certainty to the UK supply chain.

SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said: “World-class engineering, productivity, strong government collaboration and massive investment in the past few years have helped UK automotive become a global success story. At the heart of this has been the free and frictionless trade we've enjoyed with the EU – by far our biggest customer and supplier.

“But Brexit uncertainty is not helping investment and growth is stalling. The Government has been in ‘listening’ mode, but now it must put on the table the concrete plans that will assure the future competitiveness of the sector. Investors need certainty, so at the very least the UK must seek an interim deal that maintains single market and customs union membership until we have in place the complex new agreement sought with the EU."

The current record for cars produced in a single year is 1.92 million, set in 1972. In 2016, a total of 1,722,698 cars were made in the UK. A report previously commissioned by the SMMT had predicted the two million mark would be breached in 2020, so long as economic and market conditions remained stable. New estimates lower that figure to between 1.8 and 1.9m.

Hawes highlighted the slowing pace of investment in UK car plants, saying that an average of £2.5 billion a year was being invested pre-2016, falling to £1.66bn last year and standing at just £322m so far this year. However, he conceded that some of this is cyclical, and a result of the heavy investment in previous years.

Car production in the UK fell by 13.7% year-on-year in June, with 136,901 cars rolling off production lines. That was the third consecutive month of decline, adding up to a 2.9% year-to-date dip in output year-on-year to June. The performance is, however, still the second highest for 12 years.

In 2017, overseas demand for British-built cars has fallen by just 0.9%, with 683,826 cars exported. The proportion of UK-built cars exported now stands at 78.9% – the highest level for five years. However, demand for domestically built cars in the UK fell by 9.5% year-on-year to 182,830 units.

Hawes confirmed that the second half of 2017 was looking more positive. “There are several new models about to be launched which should bolster demand,” he said. “Several of these are new premium cars, and the UK continues to be the world’s biggest producer of premium cars after Germany.”

Top 10 British-built best-sellers globally – 2017 to end of June

1 Nissan Qashqai

2 Mini hatchback

3 Vauxhall Astra

4 Honda Civic

5 Toyota Auris

6 Land Rover Discovery Sport

7 Range Rover Sport

8 Nissan Juke

9 Range Rover Evoque

10 Jaguar F-Pace

Top 10 regional export destinations – 2017 to end of June

1 EU28 373,650 (-7.9% year-on-year)

2 USA 106,694 (+37.6%)

3 Germany 58,763 (-2.5%)

4 Italy 51,196 (-3.2%)

5 China 47,830 (-6.4%)

6 France 46,061 (-7.2%)

7 Belgium 34,422 (-35.6%)

8 Spain 23,602 (-10%)

9 Australia 18,990 (8.4%)

10 Turkey 15,970 (-26.4%)

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...atened-brexit-and-falling-consumer-confidence
 
Nissan-Renault seize lead in first half global vehicle sales

The alliance of Japanese automaker Nissan and Renault of France led in global vehicle sales for the first half of this year, the first time it has claimed top rank, beating perennial top-sellers Volkswagen, Toyota and General Motors.

The Nissan-Renault alliance, which has included Mitsubishi it acquired the Japanese automaker last year, sold 5 268 079 vehicles around the world in January-June.

That was more than Volkswagen AG at 5 155 600, and Japanese rival Toyota, which said Friday it sold 5 129 000 vehicles in the first half.

Global car sales

Volkswagen, which includes Audi and Lamborghini nameplates in its group, became the world's top selling automaker last year for the first time.

All the top auto manufacturers have various nameplates under their folds and cater to various world markets, standing ready to make up with sales elsewhere when they falter in one region.

US rival General Motors, which had led global industry sales for more than seven decades, trails in fourth place, selling about 4.7 million vehicles in the first half.

Although Volkswagen's reputation has suffered recently from a huge scandal over cheating on emissions tests, booming sales in China and other markets have helped offset the damage, showing that some consumers were just shrugged off the scandal.

It's unclear whether Nissan will manage to hold on to its lead for the full calendar year since the top automakers are running neck-and-neck in sales.

Auto executives tend to play down the importance of the sales numbers, saying they are just trying to satisfy customers with good products. Volkswagen was an exception, often voicing its desire to become No. 1 until the scandal silenced its expressions of that ambition.

But the rise of Nissan-Renault highlights the power of manufacturers outside Detroit.

Nissan Corporate Vice President Joji Tagawa said sales volume by itself was meaningless unless growth leads to higher profits.

"Personally, whether we are No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3 doesn't interest me," he told reporters earlier this week. "And it is not a goal for our company."

Toyota, which makes the Camry sedan, Prius hybrid and Lexus luxury models, surpassed General Motors in 2008 but fell behind GM in 2011, when production was hit by a quake and tsunami in northeastern Japan. Toyota became No. 1 again, only to be dethroned by Volkswagen.

Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of the Renault-Nissan alliance, said earlier this week the automaker will continue to build on its record sales. Among the models the alliance offers are the X-Trail, Altima and Qashqai, as well as the Leaf electric car.

"We will continue to leverage our significant economies of scale and global market presence to deliver valuable synergies for our member companies this year," he said.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/Indu...d-in-first-half-global-vehicle-sales-20170728
 
These brands rank top for customer experience in SA

The results of the latest Ipsos Competitive Customer Experience survey in South Africa are out, with Audi and Volkswagen again finding themselves at the top of the pile.

Ipsos (and its predecessors) began surveying the local motor industry back in 1991. The latest version of the study covers the 2016 calendar year and involved the interviewing of more than 22 000 customers across the country.

According to the market analysis company, sales volume of the participating brands in the latest study represented more than three out of every four cars sold through retail channels during 2016.

So, who won what? Audi and Volkswagen both collected Gold Awards for the Passenger Car and Light Commercial Vehicle Purchasing Experience for the fifth consecutive year. In addition, Audi also collected Gold for Passenger Car Servicing (for the fifth time in a row), while Volkswagen grabbed Gold for the second year in succession for Passenger Car Servicing and Gold for the fourth time in the past five years for Light Commercial Vehicle servicing.

Ipsos Ipsos says the two German brands also qualified for Gold in the Passenger Car Purchasing category, with Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Opel, Toyota and Volvo taking Silver, while Ford, Honda and Renault collected Bronze.

Four other brands, besides Volkswagen, qualified for Gold in the LCV Purchasing Experience category: Chevrolet, Isuzu, Nissan and Toyota. Ford was the sole recipient of Silver in this segment.

Nissan, meanwhile, collected Gold in the Servicing Experience (for passenger cars) category, alongside Audi and Volkswagen, with Chevrolet, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Opel and Toyota qualifying for Silver and Honda, Renault and Volvo collecting Bronze.

Volkswagen was joined by four other brands in the Gold category for LCV servicing: Chevrolet, Isuzu, Nissan and Toyota, while Ford collected Silver. There were no awards in the Bronze category.

“All the brands who won awards should be congratulated as they are all showing a consistent commitment to improvement over time in delivering good service to their customers when their customers are purchasing or servicing vehicles,” said Patrick Busschau, Ipsos Automotive director.

Ipsos The purchasing aspect of the customer experience is measured with a telephonic interview 10-35 days after delivery of a new vehicle has been taken, while the customer’s experience with dealer servicing is evaluated in an interview, again 10-35 days after a service.

Ipsos says the biggest improvement over the past 10 years has been in servicing, with the average industry rating moving upwards by 8,2% for cars and 7,0% for LCVs. This has taken the industry average from just over 80% in 2006 to almost 90% in 2016.

Interestingly, passenger car buyers report a slightly better purchasing experience than LCV buyers, with an index score of 95,1%. However, in servicing the scores are very similar at 88,8% for car buyers and 88,9% for LCV customers.

The survey suggests the main area of improvement in the realm of car servicing has been a “willingness by the dealers to provide transport” to take the customer to his or her next destination, with an improvement of 1,1%.

Offering transport to LCV customers is top of the list in terms of improved attributes between 2015 and 2016, rising by 2,1% to 88,7%. Unfortunately, says Ipsos, there has been a negative trend in all the other aspects of servicing surveyed, with the lowest being an apparent unwillingness of dealership personnel to take ownership of queries or problems.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/these-brands-rank-top-for-customer-experience-in-sa/

6c83dc5ca43772e7ae7a015b25ab9c5c.jpg


14fe52f63970efbbbb62442842d39f79.jpg
 
Renault-Nissan overtakes Volkswagen Group on 2017 first-half global deliveries

Since taking control of Mitsubishi, Renault-Nissan is on track to overtake the VW Group and Toyota to become the largest producer of cars in the world in 2017

Renault-Nissan closes on VW Group in 2017 first half global sales

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is poised become the largest car maker in the world following deliveries of 5.268 million cars in the first half of 2017.

Across the same period, the Volkswagen Group sold an almost identical number of cars, at 5.27m, but slipped behind Renault-Nissan, having delivered only 5.156m of these. With a new Volkswagen Polo on the way, as well as other volume-selling cars from elsewhere in the group, there’s still uncertainty as which group will take the title this year.

Renault-Nissan, which comprises the Renault, Nissan, Alpine, Dacia, Datsun, Infiniti, Lada, Mitsubishi and Venucia brands, also reported sales of 480,000 electric vehicles, which is the highest of any automotive group in the world.

Last year, Renault-Nissan delivered just shy of 9.96m cars globally, meaning more than one in nine of all cars sold that year came from the group. That year, the Volkswagen Group delivered 10.3m cars globally.

The UK was in the top ten markets for all three of the main Alliance brands (Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi) with sales of the Nissan Qashqai making the UK the fifth-strongest market for Nissan - the USA, China, Japan and Mexico make up the top four. For both Renault and Mitsubishi, UK sales rank ninth overall. France is Renault’s top market, while the USA is top for Mitsubishi.

Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan chairman, said: “The Alliance has delivered record sales during the first semester of 2017, reaching 5,268,079 vehicles sold. We will continue to leverage our significant economies of scale and global market presence to deliver valuable synergies for our member companies this year, while maintaining a strong technology line-up and offering customers breakthrough electric models.

“Our enlarged Alliance is well placed to realise its full potential, not only in terms of unit volumes, but also by providing next-generation mobility services to customers around the world.”

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...wagen-group-2017-first-half-global-deliveries
 
VW, Toyota toppled: new leader in global sales race

The sales statistics for the first six months of 2017 are in and the global sales race has a new leader. Yes, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has moved into first place, ahead of the Volkswagen Group and Toyota…

Sales for the Renault-Nissan Alliance rose 7% to 5 268 079 units in the first half of the calendar year. This figure includes 494 303 units from Mitsubishi Motors, which became part of the alliance in late 2016. The Renault brand and Dacia combined accounted for 1 879 288 units, while Nissan (including Infiniti) added 2 894 488 units.

That puts the alliance ahead of the Volkswagen Group, which reported a total of 5 155 600 units (up 0,8%) in the first six months of 2017. The VW brand accounted for 2 935 100 of those, while Audi chipped in with 909 000 units, Skoda with 585 000 and Seat with 246 500. Porsche, meanwhile, contributed 126 500 units.

So, what about Toyota? Well, total worldwide sales for the first half of the year came in at 5 129 000 (an increase of 2,7%), putting the Japanese giant in third place. The Toyota brand was the major contributor with 4 622 000 units, while Daihatsu added 419 000 and Hino 88 000.

Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, who had earlier predicted that the automaker would take the lead, said that it was “well placed to realise its full potential”.

“The Alliance has delivered record sales during the first semester of 2017 reaching 5 268 079 vehicles sold. We will continue to leverage our significant economies of scale and global market presence to deliver valuable synergies for our member companies this year, while maintaining a strong technology line-up and offering customers breakthrough electric models,” said Ghosn.

“Our enlarged Alliance is well placed to realise its full potential, not only in terms of unit volumes, but also by providing next-generation mobility services to customers around the world,” he added.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/vw-toyota-toppled-new-leader-in-global-sales-race/
 
The tripartite alliance flexing its muscles, I said it before that it will be unstoppable.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X