The SA Vehicle Industry Thread

Best-selling bakkies: Ranger on top, Chev Ute takes a massive tumble in SA

For the first time in months, the Toyota Hilux is neither South Africa’s best-selling bakkie nor the country’s best-selling vehicle.

In a tense battle for market dominance, the Ford Ranger took top honours from the Hilux in October 2017.

Quite a margin

The Ranger registered 2855 units, 372 more than the Hilux (2483 units). The Ranger narrowly managed to beat the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2851 units) as the best-selling vehicle for the month of October.

The Isuzu KB again proved its popularity with a strong sales figure of 1399 units to grab third place. Its GMSA cousin, the Chevrolet Ute, took quite a tumble in terms of sales with 346 units compared to 412 sold in September 2017.

READ: Good news for SA car market! Positive growth in new vehicle sales

The Ute’s only competition, the Nissan NP200, found 1348 new owners in fourth place, ahead of the Nissan NP300/Hardbody on 957 units.

In seventh position the Volkswagen Amarok continued its sturdy march on the market with 256 units, followed by the Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up (218 units) and the new Mahindra Scorpio Pik-up (169 units) in ninth place.

The Nissan Navara is tenth with 144 bakkies sold.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_v...hev-ute-takes-a-massive-tumble-in-sa-20171102

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supersunbird said:
Which Top 10? Because some of the Top 10s do have Renault in them
Click to expand...

The passenger cars.

South Africa’s 10 best-selling passengers cars of October 2017:

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 851
2. Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest – 2 135
3. Toyota Etios – 2 059
4. Volkswagen Polo – 1 950
5. Toyota Fortuner – 1 337
6. Ford EcoSport – 1 047
7. Kia Picanto – 1 020
8. Toyota RAV4 – 916
9. Ford Fiesta – 855
10. Kia Rio – 843
Click to expand...
 
SA’s 11 Worst-Selling Cars (Under R500k) Of Oct 2017

The monthly Naamsa stats generally make for rather interesting reading. But, naturally, we tend to focus on the best-performing vehicles in terms of sales.

Indeed, we’ve already reported the 10 best-selling passenger cars of October 2017, as well as listed the 10 best-selling bakkies in our market for the same period.

But now we’ve decided to take a look at the worst-selling passenger car models on our shores. Thankfully, Hyundai and Kia have started reporting their individual model sales figures, which certainly helps to paint a more accurate monthly picture. But, of course, some other automakers (such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW) still disclose only aggregate sales statistics.

Also, take note that – in order to make this list more relevant – we’ve excluded vehicle ranges that start at more than R500 000. Otherwise, this table would be dominated by luxury manufacturers such as Bentley, Ferrari and Maserati, whose high-priced vehicles traditionally sell in tiny numbers.

We also don’t count sales from run-out stock of vehicles that have been discontinued locally, such as the Volkswagen Scirocco (4), Chevrolet Cruze (3), Mitsubishi Mirage (1) and Ford Fusion (1).

So, what happened during the month of October?

Well, just three units of each of the Mahindra Xylo and Toyota 86 were registered. The Abarth 500 range (4), Tata Manza (4), Alfa Romeo Giulietta (5), Tata Vista (5) and Volvo S60 (5) were next, while the Mazda MX-5 had to settle for six registrations. Suzuki’s Grand Vitara (7), the Volkswagen Beetle (7) and the Toyota Prius (9) rounded out the table.

For reference, see September’s list here.

SA’s 11 worst-selling passenger cars (under R500k) of October 2017:

Mahindra Xylo – 3
Toyota 86 – 3
Abarth 500 – 4
Tata Manza – 4
Alfa Romeo Giulietta – 5
Tata Vista – 5
Volvo S60 – 5
Mazda MX-5 – 6
Suzuki Grand Vitara – 7
Volkswagen Beetle – 7
Toyota Prius – 9

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/sas-11-worst-selling-cars-under-r500k-of-oct-2017/
 
King of the hill: Range Rover Velar tops SA luxury SUV sales

The new Range Rover Velar arrived in South Africa in October and already it has soared to the top of the local luxury SUV market - 165 models!

It's an exceptional feat for a new model in SA considering it retails from R1-million.

Toyota's iconic Land Cruiser 200 had a great month with 119 new owners to grab second place.

Great month for Jaguar Land Rover

Behind the two leaders, the Range Rover/Sport saw 91 units in October, ahead of the previous list topper, the Land Rover Discovery (86 units).

The Toyota Prado found 59 new owners in fifth place, a mere five units ahead of the Jaguar F-Pace on 54 units. Another of Land Rover’s products, the Range Rover Evoque (46), sits pretty in seventh.

Jeep’s Grand Cherokee is in eighth with 46 units, followed by the Audi Q7 (30 units) in ninth.

Volvo’s Car of the Year champion, the XC90, completes the top ten with 19 units sold.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_v...rover-velar-tops-sa-luxury-suv-sales-20171103

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Even if i was a millionaire ............I would never pay more than R300 K for a motor Vehicle . No new wheels for me, I would by a good 2nd hand vehicle that will serve me for a good 10 years or longer.
It is because the very prices that the consumer has to pay for even a entry level vehicle that is over priced - that we find most people in DEBT because of finance charges for INTEREST and BALLOON payments !!!

The banks , the manufacturers can GO FLY their KITES !! :mad:
 
Growth for New Car Sales in SA in October 2017

South Africa’s new vehicle market continues to put up a fight against the challenges of a tough economic environment, recording an increase in sales for the fifth month in a row.

According to the latest sales data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), the new car market grew by 4.6% year-on-year (2 255 units) in October 2017. Year-to-date, the industry is still performing to expectations, growing 1.7% (with dealer sales growing 1.2%) against a backdrop of sustained political and economic uncertainty, low business and consumer confidence and low economic growth rates.

New vehicle exports were negatively affected by the impact of the recent storm that affected Durban Port operations and on production volumes at the Toyota Durban Plant, but exports should show an improvement for the last 2 months of the year as operations normalise.

The best-selling vehicle in South Africa for October 2017 was the Ford Ranger with 2 855 units sold. The mighty Toyota Hilux mustered 2 483 sales to claim third place on the sales chart behind the ever popular Volkswagen Polo Vivo which claims second place with 2 851 units sold.

It's the first time in a long time that the Volkswagen Polo (1 950 units) hasn't featured on the Top 5 list, but it was relegated by strong sales of the Toyota Etios which racked up impressive sales of 2 059 units. The Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest remains hugely popular in South Africa achieving 2 135 units sold in October 2017.

Factors contributing to improved local sales momentum:

Sharply reduced new vehicle pricing, at an annualised third quarter rate of 3.1%, down from 9.9% in the third quarter of 2016

The July 2017 reduction in interest rates

Continued highly attractive sales incentives

Continued above-average demand by car rental companies

New car sales summary - October 2017

Aggregate new vehicle sales at 51 037 units up 4.6% (2 255 units) compared with October 2016

New car sales at 35 316 units up 7.9% (2 594 units) compare with October 2016. The car rental industry accounted for an estimated 26.1% of new car sales.

Domestic sales of new Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) at 13 376 units down 1.7% (227 units) compared with October 2016

Export sales: 28 229 units down 8.3% (2 544 units) compared with October 2016

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/growth-for-new-car-sales-in-sa-in-october-2017/44168/
 
Sports cars in SA: Mustang, F-Type lead the way

The Ford Mustang remains South Africa’s favourite *sports car for the tenth consecutive month in 2017, reports Naamsa.

During October, Ford sold 61 new Mustangs to customers.

British pride

Some way off the Mustang’s figure, the Jaguar F-Type managed to find 18 new customers - also making it the only other sports car in this list to register double figure sales.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso makes third place with a showing of three units sold. This might not seem like a big deal but considering that the GTC4Lusso has an asking price of around R7-million, it's astonishing in SA!

Another Ferrari, the 488 Spider, is in fourth on three units, followed by the Audi R8 (five units).

The Ferrari California, Nissan GT-R, and Lexus LC500 all found one new owner.

*Porsche is no longer disclosing its sales figures to Naamsa

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_v...rs-in-sa-mustang-f-type-lead-the-way-20171101

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http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_v...cars-toyota-vw-has-sold-so-far-in-sa-20171107

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Top 10 best-selling budget cars in SA

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo continues its streak as South Africa’s best-selling passenger car in October 2017, reports Naamsa.

In addition, it also retained its position as SA’s leading budget car; outselling its nearest rival by 792 units.

Viva Vivo!

The Polo Vivo accumulated a total sales figure of 2851 units, giving it a commanding position in first place in its segment. Following in a rather distant second place is the Toyota Etios with 2059 units.

The Kia Picanto continues to make a splash in the sales charts with 1020 units finding homes last month. The Datsun Go (528 units) was the fourth best-selling budget car, followed by the Renault Kwid. With 511 units, the Kwid is the last vehicle in this segment to surpass the 500-mark.

Ford’s Figo goes sixth with 473 units, followed by the Renault Sandero (442 units), Hyundai i10 (367 units), and Hyundai Grand i10 (366 units). The Nissan Micra, which recently saw the Active model added to the range, rounds out the top ten with 324 units.

Special mention is the Suzuki Ignis (129) and Swift (314).

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_vehicle_sales/top-10-best-selling-budget-cars-in-sa-20171109

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Top-selling vehicles: SA’s unheralded bakkie heroes

'We know Hilux and Ranger dominate but what of the fringe bakkie brands in South Africa?' asks Lance Branquinho.

Bakkies are the best-selling vehicle class in South Africa. Consider our mixture of gravel roads and explorable wilderness, it’s no surprise that the bakkie has come to pass as South Africans favourite vehicle.

For the small business owner, the artisan, farmer, mining or civil contractor… All of these aforementioned customers find greatest utility in a bakkie, and with the current market supplying a huge diversity of brands and derivatives, bakkie enthusiasts have never had it quite so good.

Rise of the bakkie market

Despite the bakkie market growing, and predicted to inflate to about 1m units annually by 2026 (hence the ambitions of a brand such as Mercedes-Benz to enter the bakkie business), not all bakkies sell that well. It’s a peculiar reality, as most bakkies are of similar size and configuration.

Only of late has there been a notable departure in design, with Nissan debuting coil-springs at the rear with its Navara, polarising an engineering breakthrough which Land Rover had featured for nearly three decades with its Defender bakkies.

That said, despite being so very similar in their fundamental characteristics, two bakkies absolutely dominate the South African market: Hilux and Ranger. Then there are other which compete for an absolute morsel of market share. And amongst them are some rather deserved, yet unheralded, double-cabs.

Fullback surges ahead

Foremost amongst the fringe double-cabs is Fiat’s Fullback. Now, Fiat is no stranger to South African bakkie retail. Its Strada compact bakkie was a credible rival to Corsa and Bantam in the mid-2000s, but Fullback is Fiat’s first full-size double-cab.

It is, of course, in reality a rebadged Mitsubishi Triton, and South Africans would appear not to understand the value proposition on offer. As such, Fiat only sold nine Fullbacks last month, compared to Mitsubishi’s 24 Tritons.

Value for the BT-50

Perhaps the most unheralded of all double-cab bakkie offering is Mazda’s BT-50. A twin of Ford’s wildly successful T6-series Ranger, ungainly styling has does BT-50’s market appeal no favours, but mechanically it is equal to any rival.

For those who can manage to look past its appearance, there is very definite value to be had – as can be seen by 57 rather clever customers who purchased BT-50s last month.

Indian bakkies

If you are seeking true barging pricing and utilitarian ruggedness, the Indian bakkies have always promised to deliver on both those customer requirements. Scrutinise sales figures, though, and it would appear that South African bakkie buys are not much interested in bargain prices for 1980s recycled 1980s technology. Tata’s Tecoline bakkie sold a mere five units in October.

Mahindra fared much better, with its revived and slightly more modern Scorpio accounting for 169 sales - illustrating that it is the dominant sub-continental bakkie brand in South Africa.

Of all the outlier bakkies on sale in South Africa, none is quite as stealth as Hyundai’s offering. The Korean automotive powerhouse is regarded as a city car and SUV manufacturer. South Africans never regard it, even in the slightest, as a bakkie brand. But with 337 sales of its honest and accurately named H100 bakkie, there is no doubt that Hyundai is South Africa’s most unheralded bakkie brand. And that’s a great braaiside factoid to win any bakkie argument with, when debating with mates.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_v...ehicles-sas-unheralded-bakkie-heroes-20171114
 
Great news for SA! Car, bakkie sales grow despite poor economy

South Africa’s new vehicle market has seen yet another month of growth; November 2017 marks the sixth consecutive month of positive growth.

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), new vehicle sales in November grew 7% for a total of 49 651 units sold.
Naamsa said: "Led by a strong performance in the new car segment, the overall market registered encouraging gains of 7.2% - despite the continued difficult economic environment characterised by political and economic policy uncertainty."

For the second month in succession, new vehicle exports had been affected by inclement weather on Durban Port operations as well as the model run-out and impending new model introduction of the Volkswagen Polo range.

Your vehicle sales dashboard: November 2017

Great news for SA! Car, bakkie sales grow despite poor economy

South Africa’s new vehicle market has seen yet another month of growth; November 2017 marks the sixth consecutive month of positive growth.

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), new vehicle sales in November grew 7% for a total of 49 651 units sold.
Naamsa said: "Led by a strong performance in the new car segment, the overall market registered encouraging gains of 7.2% - despite the continued difficult economic environment characterised by political and economic policy uncertainty."

For the second month in succession, new vehicle exports had been affected by inclement weather on Durban Port operations as well as the model run-out and impending new model introduction of the Volkswagen Polo range.

Your vehicle sales dashboard: November 2017

Year-on-year increase

In the event, November 2017 aggregate new vehicle sales at 49 754 units sees an increase of 3 357 units or 7.2% from the 46 397 vehicles sold in November 2016. Export sales, at 27 178 vehicles, registered a substantial decline of 4 315 units or drop of 13.7% compared to the 31 493 vehicles exported in November last year.

Overall, out of the total reported Industry sales of 49 754 vehicles, an estimated 38 986 units or 78.4% represented dealer sales, an estimated 14.0% represented sales in the vehicle rental Industry, 4.6% to government and 3.0% to industry corporate fleets.

More South Africans buying cars

Supported by attractive sales incentives, the November 2017 new car market had shown upward momentum and at 32 821 units had recorded a gain of 4 614 cars or an improvement of 16.4% compared to the 28 207 new cars sold in November last year.

The car rental Industry had again made a major contribution accounting for about 19.8% of new car sales in November, 2017 - meaning that one in every five new cars sold during the month represented a car rental sale.

Coastal issues

Weighed down by poor investment sentiment and the prevailing difficult business environment, domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles (LCVS), bakkies and mini-busses at 14 587 units reflected a fall of 1 160 vehicles or a decline of 7.4%. However, LCVs for November are an improvement on sales registered in October 2017.

Based on the latest export figures, it was clear that industry figures for 2017 wouldn’t meet expectations. The decline in November vehicle exports could be attributed to the lagged effect of inclement weather which had affected factory operations and production at the Durban Toyota SA plant. Additionally, the Volkswagen SA Plant was gearing up for the production of new Polo models to be launched early next year. The model run-out of the previous Polo had contributed to lower export units.

Naamsa responds:

"Over the past six months, the domestic car market performed relatively positively in a challenging economic environment. Major contributing factors had been the continuation of highly attractive sales incentives, sharply lower new vehicle price inflation, stable interest rates and the ongoing above average demand by car rental companies.

"Overall, a year-on-year improvement in aggregate domestic sales of around 2.0% for 2017 was anticipated. Going into 2018 new vehicle exports were expected to recover on the back of positive global economic growth prospects."

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_v...kkie-sales-grow-despite-poor-economy-20171201
 
SOUTH AFRICA’S 10 BEST-SELLING BAKKIES OF NOV 2017

The sales figures for the eleventh month of 2017 are in and the gap between the two vehicles fighting for the title of South Africa’s best-selling bakkie has grown a little more.

According to Naamsa, November 2017 aggregate new vehicle sales at 49 754 units increased by 7,2% year-on-year. At 14 587 units, meanwhile, the light commercial segment reflected a fall of 7,4% compared to the same month in 2016.

So, exactly what happened in November 2017?

Well, after missing out to the Ford Ranger in October, the Toyota Hilux (which recently benefited from a range revision) grabbed back top spot, forcing its perennial foe back into second. The Japanese bakkie beat the Ranger by 185 units in November, stretching its year-to-date lead to a virtually unassailable 2 911 units.

The Isuzu KB, meanwhile, held steady in third, while the Nissan NP300 climbed one to fourth. This saw the Nissan NP200 drop a place to fifth, with the Volkswagen Amarok (set to be offered locally in manual V6 form, complete with low-range, next year) moving up to sixth as sales of the half-tonne Chevrolet Utility (the brand leaves South Africa at the end of 2017) tumbled yet again.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-up, Mahindra (Scorpio) Pik-Up and Nissan Navara all held their places to close out the table. That means there’s again no room for the Mazda BT-50 (70), Mahindra Bolero (62), Mitsubishi Triton (50) or Fiat Fullback (29) in November.

See the top ten list below, and have a look at October’s figures here.

South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies of November 2017:

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 243
2. Ford Ranger – 3 058
3. Isuzu KB – 1 499
4. Nissan NP300 – 1 465
5. Nissan NP200 – 976
6. Volkswagen Amarok – 254
7. Chevrolet Utility – 198
8. Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-up – 168
9. Mahindra Pik-Up – 138
10. Nissan Navara – 117

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/south-africas-10-best-selling-bakkies-of-nov-2017/
 
SA’s 10 Best-Selling Passenger Cars Of November 2017

November 2017’s aggregate new vehicle sales in South Africa came in at 49 754 units, an increase of 7,2% year-on-year, according to Naamsa.

As always, it’s also interesting to take a look at what’s happening in terms of individual model sales. We’ve already examined the figures and picked out the 10 best-selling bakkies for the month, and now it’s time to do the same with the passenger vehicle market.

Of course, one must bear in mind that certain automakers – such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW – disclose only aggregate sales statistics. Kia and Hyundai, however, thankfully started releasing their individual model sales figures a few months ago, which makes the picture a little clearer.

So, what happened in the eleventh month of 2017? Well, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo held on to first place, a mere 52 units ahead of the regular Polo, which climbed two spots to second. Toyota’s combination of the Corolla, Auris and Corolla Quest (the brand reports an overall figure rather than individual model sales) thus fell one to third.

The Toyota Etios, too, dropped one place to fourth, while the Ford EcoSport climbed one to fifth, forcing the Toyota Fortuner down a place to sixth. The Ford Fiesta moved up two spots to seventh, ahead of the Kia Picanto, which fell one to eighth.

The Hyundai i20 made an appearance in ninth, while the Renault Kwid returned to the table to snaffle tenth. The Kia Rio (555) and Toyota RAV4 (747) thus fell out of the top ten.

Other bits and bobs

So, what else happened in November 2017? Well, Alfa Romeo registered 32 units of its new Stelvio, but just five examples of the Giulia. The Ford Everest returned a strong 669 units, while the Figo and Focus weighed in with 515 and 440 units, respectively. The Kuga managed 69 units, while the Mustang added 58.

Opel’s strongest performer was the Mokka X (181), with the new Crossland X settling for just 15 registrations in its first (admittedly partial) month. The BR-V (200) led the way for Honda, while Hyundai enjoyed impressive contributions from the likes of the Tucson (494), Creta (359), Grand i10 (355), i10 (331) and Accent (328).

The new Range Rover Velar (80) proved to be Jaguar Land Rover’s most popular offering in November, beating the Range Rover Sport (76), Discovery Sport (71) and Discovery (65). The Evoque (55), meanwhile, edged out the Jaguar F-Pace (53).

Kia registered 225 units of its Sportage, while Mahindra’s top seller was the KUV100 with 54 units. The CX-3 (325) and CX-5 (295) again led the way for Mazda, which also enjoyed strong contributions from the Mazda3 (265) and Mazda2 (206).

The new Pajero Sport totalled 34 units, making it Mitsubishi’s most popular offering for the month, while Datsun sold 364 units of its GO and 179 units of its GO+. The Nissan brand’s best seller was the Almera (305), with the Qashqai not far behind on 269 units.

Peugeot sold 93 passenger vehicles in November, with the new 3008 leading the way on 43 units. Renault registered 263 units of its Sandero, while the Mégane had an unusually strong month on 215 units.

The Swift (339) again led the way for Suzuki, while the Celerio (186) and Ignis (142) also contributed. Toyota moved 454 units of its Avanza, with the C-HR falling just two units short of three figures for the month.

The Golf (702) and Tiguan (488) performed well for VW, with the Up adding 261 and the Jetta 252 units. The A3 (377) was Audi’s top seller, while the V40 (78) performed that role for Volvo.

See the top ten table below (and have a look back at October’s figures here):

South Africa’s 10 best-selling passengers cars of November 2017:

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 1 900
2. Volkswagen Polo – 1 848
3. Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest – 1 711
4. Toyota Etios – 1 541
5. Ford EcoSport – 1 324
6. Toyota Fortuner – 1 080
7. Ford Fiesta – 1 063
8. Kia Picanto – 903
9. Hyundai i20 – 819
10. Renault Kwid – 757

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/sas-10-best-selling-passenger-cars-of-november-2017/
 
Naamsa: November 2017 – encouraging growth

Commenting on the new vehicle sales statistics for the month of November 2017, Naamsa said that, on the back of a further positive performance of the new car market, aggregate domestic new vehicle sales had recorded an improvement for the sixth month in succession.

Led by a strong performance in the new car segment, the overall market had registered encouraging gains of 7,2% – despite the “continued difficult economic environment characterised by political and economic policy uncertainty”.

For the second month in succession, new vehicle exports had been affected by the impact of recent inclement weather on Durban Port operations as well as the model runout and impending new model introduction of the Volkswagen Polo range.

In the event, November 2017 aggregate new vehicle sales at 49 754 units had increased by 3 357 units or 7,2% from the 46 397 vehicles sold in November last year. Export sales at 27 178 vehicles had registered a substantial decline of 4 315 units or a fall of 13,7% compared to the 31 493 vehicles exported in November last year.

Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 49 754 vehicles, an estimated 38 986 units or 78,4% represented dealer sales, an estimated 14,0% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry, 4,6% to government and 3,0% to industry corporate fleets. The contribution by the car rental sector to sales was difficult to determine exactly since four companies presently did not report sales by channel.

Supported by attractive sales incentives, the November 2017 new car market had shown upward momentum and at 32 821 units had recorded a gain of 4 614 cars or an improvement of 16,4% compared to the 28 207 new cars sold in November last year. The car rental industry had again made a major contribution accounting for about 19,8% of new car sales in November 2017 – meaning that one in every five new cars sold during the month represented a car rental sale.

Weighed down by poor investment sentiment and the prevailing difficult business environment, domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini buses at 14 587 units during November reflected a fall of 1 160 vehicles or a decline of 7,4% compared to the 15 747 light commercial vehicles sold during the corresponding month last year. However, light commercials for November did record an improvement on sales in October 2017.

Sales in the low-volume medium- and heavy-truck segments of the industry reflected a mixed performance, and at 688 units and 1 658 units respectively had recorded a fall of 128 vehicles or a decline of 15,7%, in the case of medium commercial vehicles, and, in the case of heavy trucks and buses, an improvement of 31 vehicles or a gain of 1,9% – compared to the corresponding month last year. The figures continued to reflect subdued investment sentiment in the economy.

Over the past six months, the domestic car market had performed relatively positively in a challenging economic environment. The major contributing factors had been the continuation of highly attractive sales incentives, sharply lower new vehicle price inflation, stable interest rates and the on-going above average demand by car rental companies.

Overall, a year-on-year improvement in aggregate domestic sales of around 2,0% for 2017 is anticipated by Naamsa. Going into 2018, new vehicle exports are expected to recover on the back of positive global economic growth prospects.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/naamsa-november-2017-encouraging-growth/
 
SA’S 12 WORST-SELLING CARS (UNDER R500K) OF NOV 2017

The monthly Naamsa stats generally make for rather interesting reading. But, naturally, we tend to focus on the best-performing vehicles in terms of sales.

Indeed, we’ve already reported the 10 best-selling passenger cars of November 2017, as well as listed the 10 best-selling bakkies in our market for the same period.

But now we’ve decided to take a look at the worst-selling passenger car models on our shores. Thankfully, Hyundai and Kia have started reporting their individual model sales figures, which certainly helps to paint a more accurate monthly picture. But, of course, some other automakers (such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW) still disclose only aggregate sales statistics.

Also, take note that – in order to make this list more relevant – we’ve excluded vehicle ranges that start at more than R500 000. Otherwise, this table would be dominated by luxury manufacturers such as Bentley, Ferrari and Maserati, whose high-priced vehicles traditionally sell in tiny numbers.

We also don’t count sales from run-out stock of vehicles that have been discontinued locally, such as the Volkswagen Beetle (8), Chevrolet Cruze (1), Mazda MX-5 (1) and Mitsubishi Mirage (1).

So, what happened during the month of November?

Well, just a single example of the Toyota 86 was registered, while the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Toyota Prius managed two apiece. The Abarth 595, Mahindra Xylo, Tata Manza and Volvo S60 each could muster just three, while the Tata Indica came in with six units.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara (7) was next, ahead of the Nissan NV200 (8). The Fiat Panda and Kia Sorento rounded out the table, with ten sales each.

For reference, see October’s list here.

SA’s 12 worst-selling passenger cars (under R500k) of November 2017:

Toyota 86 – 1
Alfa Romeo Giulietta – 2
Toyota Prius – 2
Abarth 595 – 3
Mahindra Xylo – 3
Tata Manza – 3
Volvo S60 – 3
Tata Indica – 6
Suzuki Grand Vitara – 7
Nissan NV200 – 8
Fiat Panda – 10
Kia Sorento – 10

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/sas-12-worst-selling-cars-under-r500k-of-nov-2017/
 
SA's top selling vehicles in 7 key segments: Nov

Despite gloomy economic conditions, junk credit ratings and fuel price hikes, South Africans are still buying new vehicles at a fairly healthy rate.

November was the sixth month in a row that new vehicle sales improved over the corresponding months last year, and the 49 754 cars and commercial vehicles sold last month was 7.2 percent higher than November 2016. New cars performed very solidly with a 16.4 percent sales hike over November 2016, though bakkies were down 7.4 percent.

Many cash-strapped South Africans are affording these cars by taking out long-term finance deals. According to Absa, 94.2 percent of applications are for a 72-month finance term while more than a third (36.3 percent) apply for balloon payments.

With a month to go, it’s expected that new-vehicle sales for the year will be two percent higher than in 2016.

Next year may be a different story however, as the economy’s hit by the impact of SA’s downgraded credit ratings in the form of reduced consumer and business confidence. Bad news for affordability is that the rand’s expected to depreciate further against international currencies towards year-end and in 2018, which will probably lead to price hikes.

On the flipside, carmakers will continue launching new models and selling them with attractive incentives, while predicted stable interest rates should help keep sales flowing at a reasonable level.

Last month it was the usual suspects filling the top-selling positions, with the Toyota Hilux coming out ahead of the Ford Ranger in the bakkie wars, while in cars the older Polo Vivo slightly outsold the new-generation Polo.

The imminent exit of Chevrolet from SA sees cars like the Spark and Utility selling at a trickle, as the last few leave dealer floors.

THE NUMBERS: NOVEMBER 2017

Top 25 overall

1. Toyota Hilux 3243
2. Ford Ranger 3058
3. VW Polo Vivo 1900
4. VW Polo 1848
5. Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest 1711
6. Toyota Etios 1541
7. Toyota Quantum 1520
8. Isuzu KB 1499
9. Nissan NP300 1465
10. Ford Ecosport 1324
11. Toyota Fortuner 1080
12. Ford Fiesta 1063
13. Nissan NP200 976
14. Kia Picanto 903
15. Hyundai i20 819
16. Renault Kwid 757
17. Toyota Rav4 747
18. VW Golf 702
19. Ford Everest 669
20. Kia Rio 555
21. Ford Figo 515
22. Hyundai Tucson 494
23. VW Tiguan 488
24. Nissan NV350 Taxi 393
25. Audi A3 377

Budget Hatch/Sedan

VW Polo Vivo 1900
Toyota Etios 1541
Kia Picanto 903
Renault Kwid 757
Ford Figo 515
Datsun Go 364
Suzuki Swift 339
Hyundai Grand i10 355
Hyundai i10 331
Renault Sandero 263
Nissan Micra 212
Suzuki Celerio 186
Datsun Go+ 179

Compact Hatch/Sedan

VW Polo 1848
Ford Fiesta 1063
Hyundai i20 819
Kia Rio 555
Toyota Avanza 454
Hyundai Accent 328
Nissan Almera 305
VW Up 261
Mazda2 206
Renault Clio 200
Opel Corsa 164
Audi A1 140
Honda Jazz 121
Toyota Aygo 109
Suzuki Ertiga 98
Suzuki Baleno 83

Compact/Medium Hatch/Sedan

Toyota Corolla/Quest/Auris 1711
VW Golf 702
Ford Focus 440
Audi A3 377
Mazda3 265
VW Jetta 252
Renault Megane 215
Opel Astra 140
Hyundai Elantra 119
Volvo V40 78

Compact Crossover/SUV

Ford Ecosport 1324
Hyundai Creta 359
Mazda CX-3 325
Honda BR-V 200
Opel Mokka X 181
Suzuki Ignis 142
Renault Captur 132
Suzuki Jimny 85
Mahindra KUV100 54
Suzuki Vitara 46
Jeep Renegade 40

Compact/Medium Crossover/SUV

Toyota Rav4 747
Hyundai Tucson 494
VW Tiguan 488
Mazda CX-5 295
Nissan Qashqai 269
Nissan X-Trail 226
Kia Sportage 225
Renault Duster 153
Honda H-RV 113
Audi Q5 100
Renault Kadjar 100
Toyota C-HR 98
Audi Q3 77
Honda CR-V 70
Ford Kuga 69
Peugeot 3008 43

Large Crossover/SUV (sub R1-million)

Toyota Fortuner 1080
Ford Everest 669
Toyota Land Cruiser200 110
Toyota Prado 91
Land Rover Discovery Sport 71
Chervolet Trailblazer 56
Jaguar F-Pace 53
Jeep Grand Cherokee 51

Bakkies (all)

Toyota Hilux 3243
Ford Ranger 3058
Isuzu KB 1499
Nissan NP300 Hardbody 1465
Nissan NP200 976
Hyundai H100 Bakkie 284
VW Amarok 254
Chev Utility 198
Toyota Landcruiser PU 168
Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up 138
Kia K2700 129
Nissan Navara 117
Mazda BT-50 70
Mahindra Bolero 62
Mitsubishi Triton 50
Fiat Fullback 29

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/sas-top-selling-vehicles-in-7-key-segments-nov-12273515
 
10 Vehicles Killed Off In South Africa In 2017

As 2017 draws to a close, we take a look back at ten fairly significant vehicles that were discontinued in South Africa during the year.

Of course, other models were also axed over the past 12 months (along with complete brands, such as Chevrolet and Dodge, although we’ll ignore these for now), but we’ve decided to pick out the following ten as some of the most significant. Take note that we’ve excluded discontinued models that were effectively replaced (such as the BMW 5 Series GT that found itself succeeded by the 6 Series GT).

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

With the popularity of MPVs continuing to wane, BMW SA opted to stop importing the front-wheel-drive Active Tourer, leaving the local arm of the Munich-based automaker with seven fewer derivatives in its 2 Series range.

Volkswagen Golf SV

Like the Active Tourer above, the Volkswagen Golf SV found itself on the chopping block after failing to make much of an impact on the local MPV segment, despite pricing that undercut the likes of the BMW and Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

Ford Fusion

The typical South African sedan buyer still seems to prefer a German badge over, well, anything else. And that’s at least part of the reason the Fusion seemed destined to fail locally, proving time and again to be Ford’s toughest sell.

Mazda MX-5 roadster

The world’s best-selling roadster is no longer offered in South Africa. Yes, the soft-top version of the little rear-wheel-drive MX-5 has been cut from Mazda Southern Africa’s official price-list, while the auto-only MX-5 RF curiously remains.

Volkswagen Scirocco

Interestingly, the Scirocco’s demise is a global rather than merely local one, with Volkswagen confirming the end of the line for the third-generation, front-wheel-drive coupé…

Nissan Sentra

Back in 2013, the Sentra badge returned to South Africa after an absence of about eight years. Three years later, though, the Nissan sedan has again been pulled, after struggling to find a foothold in the local market (the smaller Almera, though, has proven popular with rental buyers).

Suzuki SX4

When the Vitara was added to Suzuki Auto SA’s line-up, the SX4 was forced to play second fiddle in the crossover stakes. Interestingly, though, the local arm of the Japanese automaker said that its decision to scrap the SX4 is “not cast in stone” and that it could change “dependent on spec available”.

Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen SA discontinued all Beetle variants before adding 50 examples of the limited-edition Beetle R-Line derivative. Now that the special R-Line model has come and gone, the Bug has reached the end of the line locally.

Ford B-Max

Production of the B-Max reportedly ceased in September, but sales of Ford’s mini-MPV – with its hinged front and sliding rear doors – started flagging in South Africa earlier in 2017. Ford fans looking for a car this size, it seems, prefer the Fiesta and EcoSport…

Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi’s frankly forgettable Mirage quietly left the SA stage this year, as the local arm of the Japanese brand turned its attention to updating its SUV range and adding the new Triton bakkie.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/10-vehicles-killed-off-in-south-africa-in-2017/
 
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