The SA Vehicle Industry Thread

[FiestaST]

Biggest vehicle-exporters from SA in December 2018

For December 2018, Naamsa said South Africa’s export vehicle sales had recorded “a massive improvement”. Indeed, the month’s aggregate export vehicle sales came in at 31 437 units, reflecting an increase of 11 330 vehicles or a considerable gain of 56,3% compared with the figure achieved in December 2017.

So, let’s take a look at which automakers were the biggest exporters from South Africa for the month.

Mercedes-Benz just about remained in first place, exporting 9 277 units (up 971, month on month) from its East London plant (9276 of which were C-Class models). Ford, meanwhile, climbed two places to second, shipping off a whopping 9 209 units (comprising 9 160 units of the Ranger and 49 of the Everest) from its Silverton facility in the month. This represents a substantial increase of 2 947 units, month on month.

Toyota moved up two places to third with an export figure of 5 402, including 5 222 examples of its Hilux, 109 units of the Fortuner and 71 vehicles from its Corolla/Quest line (all built at its Prospecton factory. This total is up 1 750 units on the Japanese firm’s effort in November.

The BMW Group thus fell one to fourth, with its Rosslyn plant churning out 3648 examples of the X3 for foreign markets, representing a considerable fall of 3 559 units compared with the preceding month.

The Volkswagen Group, meanwhile, fell three places to fifth, exporting 3223 examples (down a whopping 4 729 units) of its Polo hatchback from Uitenhage. Nissan dropped by 66 units to 402 (made up of 371 Hardbody units and 31 NP200s) to remain in sixth, while Isuzu fell by 255 units to total just 141 (including 18 examples of the KB bakkie, 122 wearing the D-Max badge and one MU-X) to again take seventh.

For reference, see November 2018’s list here…

Biggest exporters for December 2018:

1. Mercedes-Benz: 9 277
2. Ford Motor Company: 9 209
3. Toyota: 5 402
4. BMW Group: 3 648
5. Volkswagen Group: 3 223
6. Nissan: 402
7. Isuzu: 141

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/biggest-vehicle-exporters-sa-december-2018/

 

[FiestaST]

SEE: Here's how many cars are set to be sold in SA this year

Naamsa said: "At this stage, an improvement of around 1.0% in aggregate sales volumes is projected. However, most automotive companies are planning their operations on the basis of a flat market in 2019.

"Factoring in the expected improvement in exports, domestic production of motor vehicles in South Africa increased increase from 601 178 vehicles produced in 2017 to about 610 000 vehicles in 2018. An improvement in industry vehicle production of about 8.0% was projected for 2019 to reach about 657 500 units."

Automotive production programme

The organisation adds: "Naamsa welcomed the announcement at the end of November 2018 by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr R Davies, to extend the Automotive Developmental Policy Regime from 2021 through the end of 2035.

"Despite the fact that the 2035 objectives of the programme are quite ambitious, the announcement should enable vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers to plan strategically for the future and to finalise investment decisions with confidence and certainty.

"At the commencement of the extended programme from 2021 onwards, the levels of support and incentives for vehicle manufacturers will reduce significantly and the only means for vehicle producers to recoup benefits will be through progressive and substantial increases in localisation – whilst remaining internationally competitive in terms of exports.

"Vehicle producers and suppliers will have to continue to work together to achieve sustained net cost reductions to ensure that the industry becomes more competitive internationally, to grow vehicle and components export business and to provide affordable products to the local market.

"Automotive companies remain determined to rise to the challenges of the Post 2020 programme which will involve incremental localisation, industrialisation and transformation throughout the Automotive Value Chain."

https://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_...s-are-set-to-be-sold-in-sa-this-year-20190110

 

[FiestaST]

New Car Sales Summary for December 2018

The final count is in for 2018's new car sales and the overall numbers show a slight decline over the 2017 numbers. Here's the nitty-gritty.

Industry domestic sales ended 2018 on a weak note with new vehicle sales for December, 2018 at 39 984 units recording a decline of 767 vehicles or a fall of 1.9% compared to the total new vehicle sales of 40 751 units during the corresponding month of December 2017. The December, 2018 new passenger car market and light commercial vehicle market reflected year on year volume declines of 0.2% in the case of new cars and a substantial decrease in the case of light commercial vehicles of 7.0%. Sales of medium commercial vehicles had also been weak, declining by 10.1%. On the other hand, sales of heavy commercial vehicles had improved 13.8% year on year.

As a major sector contributing around 7.7% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the automotive industry experienced contrasting fortunes during 2018 with domestic new vehicle sales and revenue in respect of new and used vehicles, as well as aftermarket parts and accessories, recording declines in real terms. In contrast, industry export business registered modest gains.

Following the modest improvement in new vehicle sales of 1.9%, in volume terms, in 2017 – new vehicle sales have declined by 1.0% from 552 190 units in 2018 compared to the total of 557 703 units in 2017. The annual decline reflected the weak macro-economic environment, pressure on consumers’ disposable income and fragile business and consumer confidence. November 2018 also saw a 0.25% increase in interest rates that would also have impacted on new vehicle financing and sales.

New car sales summary: December 2018

- Aggregate new car sales of 39 984 down by 1.9% (-767 units) compared with December 2017.
- Passenger car sales of 26 547 down by 0.2% (-3 units) compared with December 2017.
- Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales of 11 218 down by 7.4% (-897 units) compared with December 2017.
- Export sales of 31 437 up by 56.3% (+11 330 units) compared with December 2017.

Top 5 Best Selling Car Brands in SA

1. Toyota - 9 038 units

2. Volkswagen - 6 594 units

3. Nissan - 3 906 units

4. Ford - 3 467 units

5. Renault - 2 934 units

Top 10 Best Selling Cars in SA

1. Toyota Hilux - 2 907 units

2. Volkswagen Polo - 2 051 units

3. Ford Ranger - 1 931 units

4. Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 1 711 units

5. Nissan NP200 - 1 572 units

6. Renault Kwid - 1 354 units

7. Toyota Quantum - 1 245 units

8. Toyota Fortuner - 1 027 units

9. Isuzu Dmax/KB - 1 013 units

10. Hyundai Grand i10 - 906 units

Sales Outlook

At this stage, an improvement of around 1.0% in aggregate sales volumes is projected. However, most automotive companies are planning their operations on the basis of a flat market in 2019.

Factoring in the expected improvement in exports, domestic production of motor vehicles in South Africa increased from 601 178 vehicles produced in 2017 to about 610 000 vehicles in 2018. An improvement in industry vehicle production of about 8.0% was projected for 2019 to reach about 657 500 units. South Africa critically needs to achieve higher economic growth to fulfil its potential, address the many challenges confronting the country in terms of development and employment and to deliver improvement in the quality of life. A higher economic growth rate was also essential to support higher domestic new vehicle sales volumes.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-car-sales-summary-for-december-2018/45964/

 

[FiestaST]

New vehicle sales in SA: how 2018 compared with 2017

According to Naamsa, new vehicle sales in South Africa fell by 1,0 percent to 552 190 units in 2018, compared with the total of 557 703 units sold on local shores in 2017.

This annual decline, says Naamsa, reflects the “weak macro-economic environment, pressure on consumers’ disposable income and fragile business and consumer confidence”. The associated added that the 0,25 percent increase in interest rates announced for November 2018 also “impacted on new vehicle financing and sales”.

In 2018, some 365 246 passenger vehicles were sold in South Africa, down 0,8 percent year on year. The light commercial segment, too, fell (by 2,4 percent), to 159 452 units. The medium (at 7 913 units) and heavy (19 579 units) commercial segments, however, both grew (the former by 0,3 percent and the latter by 6,5 percent).

Naamsa said the fall in new car and light commercial vehicle sales occurred despite a “strong contribution” from the rental sector, “attractive sales incentives” by automotive companies and an “improvement in new vehicle affordability in real terms”.

Interestingly, the association added that market conditions in the two sectors “continued to be characterised by a buying down trend, with sales of entry-level vehicles, small utility vehicles and crossovers performing well in relative terms”. The premium car segment, however, continued to experience “significant pressure”.

And exports? Well, here South Africa enjoyed an annual record industry figure with total vehicle exports at 351 154 units reflecting an improvement of 13 058 units or a gain of 3,9 percent year on year. Exports of light commercial vehicles and heavy trucks in particular had registered substantial gains, in volume terms, of 20,9 percent and 17,6 percent, respectively.

Looking ahead, Naamsa predicted an improvement of around 1,0% in aggregate sales volumes for 2019.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-vehicle-sales-in-sa-how-2018-compared-with-2017/

 

[FiestaST]

These are South Africa's top 5 vehicle exports

While South Africa’s new vehicle market remains under pressure, having shrunk by 1.0 percent last year, exports are proving to be a silver lining for the local industry, with record volumes recorded in 2018.

A total of 351 154 South African made vehicles were exported to countries around the globe last year, which was 3.9 percent up on 2017 and the highest export volume ever recorded. To put that into historical perspective, South Africa exported just 25 000 vehicles 20 years ago in 1998, and the figures rose substantially post 2000 as the incentive-based Motor Industry Development Programme of 1995 started bearing fruits.

Today a similar incentive plan called the Automotive Production Development Programme remains in place, but it remains to be seen whether the reforms planned for beyond 2020, which require increased localisation, will affect the production and export scenario.

Nonetheless, the export picture is looking rosy in the short term at least, and Naamsa is expecting further growth in 2019.

South Africa’s vehicle export effort is reliant on just a handful of vehicles, with only five averaging four figures a month. How do they rank? We calculated the top five based on figures for the second half of 2018, which gives a more accurate picture as some manufacturers were phasing in new models earlier in the year.

Without further ado, let’s meet South Africa’s export heroes…

5. Toyota Hilux

Total (Jul-Dec): 25 375

Monthly average: 4229

4. Volkswagen Polo

Total (Jul-Dec): 30 755

Monthly average: 5126

3. BMW X3

Total (Jul-Dec): 33 679

Monthly average: 5613

2. Ford Ranger

Total (Jul-Dec): 38 521

Monthly average: 6420

1. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Total (Jul-Dec): 55 550

Monthly average: 9258

It might seem surprising to some that Mercedes-Benz is by far the biggest exporter, and things are only set to get better for the East London based operation, following the most recent investment R10 billion announced last year, which will see significant plant upgrades taking place as it gears up for production of the next generation C-Class.

Gauteng-based BMW and Ford have also recently made major investments in producing their respective Ranger and X3 models for local consumption and export, with Ford also having invested in a brand new 2-litre turbodiesel engine.

Best of the rest

The five vehicles above are not the only ones that South Africa exports, however. In the second half of last year, Nissan exported over 400 Hardbody bakkies a month, while Isuzu exported a monthly average of 316 KB and D-Max pick-ups. Toyota’s Fortuner is also sent abroad at a rate of almost 150 units a month, and the Toyota Corolla at around 100 units.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/these-are-south-africas-top-5-vehicle-exports-18766810

 

[XPD]

SA's 30 top selling vehicles: December 2018

South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to sag in December, very much reflective of the year as a whole.

The year 2018 saw new vehicle sales decline by 1.0 percent versus 2017, from 557 703 units to 552 190. Naamsa is predicting a modest improvement in South African vehicle sales in 2019, with an estimated total of 558 000 units essentially matching 2017’s figures.

Downward in December

In the final month of 2018, the vehicle market shrunk by 1.9 percent year-on-year, according to figures just released by Naamsa and while passenger car sales remained largely flat, with a 0.2 percent decline, light commercials were down by a more worrying 7.0 percent. Medium commercials declined by 10.1 percent, while the heavies recorded an improvement of 13.8 percent over December 2017.

A big silver lining, however, was that exports rose by a whopping 56.3 percent in December, versus the same month in 2017, the volume rising from 20 107 to 31 437 units, and contributing to 2018’s record export figure of 351 154 units.

Hilux still strong, Kwid surprises

The local sales charts saw the usual status quo maintained at the top, with Toyota’s Hilux followed by the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Ranger, while Renault’s entry-level Kwid had a surprisingly strong month, surging to sixth place overall with 1354 sales. Volkswagen’s Kombi also enjoyed a better than usual month, racking up 408 sales.

TOP 30 - DECEMBER 2018

Toyota Hilux 2907
Volkswagen Polo 2051
Ford Ranger 1931
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1711
Nissan NP200 1572
Renault Kwid 1354
Toyota Quantum 1245
Toyota Fortuner 1027
Hyundai Grand i10 906
Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest 858
Renault Clio 775
Hyundai i20 619
Isuzu D-Max 593
Nissan NP300 Hardbody 539
Datsun Go 508
Kia Picanto 508
Toyota Etios 507
Volkswagen Tiguan 485
Renault Sandero 449
Ford Figo 424
Isuzu KB 420
Suzuki Swift 419
Toyota Avanza 416
Toyota Rav4 410
Volkswagen Kombi 408
Mazda CX-5 389
Ford Everest 385
Ford EcoSport 332
Volkswagen Amarok 323
Kia Rio 304

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/sas-30-top-selling-vehicles-december-2018-18753976

Well done Renault. Surprised with the Kwid though. Was speaking to some of their sales and service folks and the amount of comeback, faults and breakdowns on the Kwid is astounding. Almost every car sold has some issue with it especially the brakes.

 

[FlashSA]

These are South Africa's top 5 vehicle exports

While South Africa’s new vehicle market remains under pressure, having shrunk by 1.0 percent last year, exports are proving to be a silver lining for the local industry, with record volumes recorded in 2018.

A total of 351 154 South African made vehicles were exported to countries around the globe last year, which was 3.9 percent up on 2017 and the highest export volume ever recorded. To put that into historical perspective, South Africa exported just 25 000 vehicles 20 years ago in 1998, and the figures rose substantially post 2000 as the incentive-based Motor Industry Development Programme of 1995 started bearing fruits.

Today a similar incentive plan called the Automotive Production Development Programme remains in place, but it remains to be seen whether the reforms planned for beyond 2020, which require increased localisation, will affect the production and export scenario.

Nonetheless, the export picture is looking rosy in the short term at least, and Naamsa is expecting further growth in 2019.

South Africa’s vehicle export effort is reliant on just a handful of vehicles, with only five averaging four figures a month. How do they rank? We calculated the top five based on figures for the second half of 2018, which gives a more accurate picture as some manufacturers were phasing in new models earlier in the year.

Without further ado, let’s meet South Africa’s export heroes…

5. Toyota Hilux

Total (Jul-Dec): 25 375

Monthly average: 4229

4. Volkswagen Polo

Total (Jul-Dec): 30 755

Monthly average: 5126

3. BMW X3

Total (Jul-Dec): 33 679

Monthly average: 5613

2. Ford Ranger

Total (Jul-Dec): 38 521

Monthly average: 6420

1. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Total (Jul-Dec): 55 550

Monthly average: 9258

It might seem surprising to some that Mercedes-Benz is by far the biggest exporter, and things are only set to get better for the East London based operation, following the most recent investment R10 billion announced last year, which will see significant plant upgrades taking place as it gears up for production of the next generation C-Class.

Gauteng-based BMW and Ford have also recently made major investments in producing their respective Ranger and X3 models for local consumption and export, with Ford also having invested in a brand new 2-litre turbodiesel engine.

Best of the rest

The five vehicles above are not the only ones that South Africa exports, however. In the second half of last year, Nissan exported over 400 Hardbody bakkies a month, while Isuzu exported a monthly average of 316 KB and D-Max pick-ups. Toyota’s Fortuner is also sent abroad at a rate of almost 150 units a month, and the Toyota Corolla at around 100 units.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/these-are-south-africas-top-5-vehicle-exports-18766810

The amount of build happening inside the Merc plant is unseen. They have added many massive factory buildings, including flattening old to make way for new. My contract manager inside told me they are aiming to build over 1000 cars a day

 

[TheChamp]

Well done Renault. Surprised with the Kwid though. Was speaking to some of their sales and service folks and the amount of comeback, faults and breakdowns on the Kwid is astounding. Almost every car sold has some issue with it especially the brakes.

What did they say about the brakes?

 

[FiestaST]

Mercedes-Benz vs. BMW: who won the sales race in 2018?

Mercedes-Benz and BMW have both released their sales figures for 2018, so it’s time to take a look at which of the two German giants claimed the title of the world’s best-selling luxury automotive brand last year.

Well, the BMW brand registered 2 125 026 units over the course of the year, representing an increase of 1,8 percent, year on year. The Mercedes-Benz brand, meanwhile, reached 2 310 185 units over the same period, growing by 0,9 percent. By our maths, that sees the Stuttgart-based automaker win by 185 159 units (for the record, Audi delivered 1 812 500 units in 2018, some 3,5 percent down).

And what about when it comes to the performance arms of the two brands? Well, BMW M sold 102 780 units (up 27,2 percent), while Mercedes-AMG managed 118 204 units. Whipping out the calculator reveals Affalterbach took the title here by 15 424 units.

BMW’s X-badged family of SUVs, meanwhile, totalled 792 590 units over the year, while Mercedes-Benz sold 28 131 more SUVs at 820 721.

The BMW Group (as opposed to brand), meanwhile, points out that it remained the world’s “leading premium automotive company” in 2018. And the stats bear that out: as a group (thus including the BMW brand, Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad), the Munich-based firm hit 2 490 664 units (up 1,1 percent), some 51 677 units ahead of Mercedes-Benz Cars (which includes the Mercedes brand as well as Smart), which ended on 2 438 987 units.

And in South Africa? Well, bear in mind the two automakers report only aggregate figures locally, so the passenger vehicle sales statistics we’re about to share are for the respective groups (not brands, although in SA, it’s worth noting Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad are excluded).

We trawled through Naamsa’s monthly sales reports and came up with the following: BMW Group SA registered 18 261 passenger vehicle units in South Africa in 2018, while Mercedes-Benz SA managed 16 164 – some 2 097 units behind its Bavarian foe.

Still, we can’t help but wonder what the picture would look like were Mini and Smart to be removed from these figures. Indeed, we suspect it would have been mighty, mighty close…

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/mercedes-benz-vs-bmw-who-won-the-sales-race-in-2018/

 

[FiestaST]

Lamborghini sales climb whopping 51 percent in 2018

Lamborghini has registered another sales record in 2018, with some 5 750 vehicles delivered around the world over the course of the year.

This represents a substantial 51 percent increase over 2017’s figure of 3 815 units.

Of course, the launch of the Urus had plenty to do with the record sales, with 1 761 units of the so-called “super SUV” delivered to customers since its market introduction in July 2018.

Still, the Italian firm’s two super sports car model lines also achieved record sales. The V12-powered Aventador grew sales by three percent to 1 209 units, while the V10-powered Huracán improved by five percent to 2 780 units.

The Europe, Middle East and Africa region accounted for 2 497 units (up 69 percent), while the Americas received 1 952 units (up 46 percent) and the Asia Pacific some 1 301 units (up 30 percent).

The single largest market was the United States (1 595 units), followed by the United Kingdom (636), Japan (559), Germany (463), Greater China (342), Canada (316) and Italy (295).

“In 2018, Lamborghini entered new dimensions. We delivered not only another sales increase, but reached substantially new levels in surpassing by far the magic mark of 5 000 Lamborghinis sold,” said Stefano Domenicali, chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

“This quantum leap proves the sustainability of our product and commercial strategy. The performance is all the more remarkable as we mastered an unprecedented double challenge: constantly bringing new models and technologies to the super sports car market, while simultaneously managing doubled production capacities at our headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

“Right from its sales start, the new super SUV Urus created enthusiastic market acceptance and broadened our customer base. We also significantly increased our high brand awareness, especially with the young generation, having multiplied our followership on our social media channels to more than 32 million.

“All this is a real team achievement and I would like to thank every Lamborghini team member for their inspiration and dedication to our brand,” Domenicali said.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/lamborghini-sales-climb-whopping-51-percent-in-2018/

 

[FiestaST]

SA vehicle sales expected to drop by 1% this year

Wesbank, the vehicle finance division of FirstRand Bank, has forecast a 1 percent decline in total new vehicle sales this year compared to last year.

Its forecast contrasts with the 1 percent increase in total new vehicle sales to 558 000 units forecast by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) for this year from the 552 190 units sales achieved last year.

Nico Vermeulen, the director of Naamsa, said yesterday that on reflection, most motor manufacturers expected new vehicle sales to be flat, particularly in the first half of the year.

However, Vermeulen said there was hope and expectation that a package of policy reforms after the general election would improve the prospects of an improvement in sales in the second half of the year.

WesBank released its forecast at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards last night. It expects total sales of passenger car sales to decline this year by 1 percent and heavy truck and bus sales by 4.4 percent, while it was anticipated that light commercial vehicle sales would grow by 0.3 percent and medium commercial vehicle sales by 1.7 percent.

Ghana Msibi, the executive head of sales and marketing at WesBank, said its forecast was based on a number of core assumptions, including the muted macroeconomic outlook for the year ahead, its expectation of another 0.25 percentage point increase in interest rates in the year and the sentiment and propensity for consumers to make big-ticket purchases.

He said there were also cost-push factors that had to be taken into account at the current rand exchange rate, which together with the VAT hike and projected increases in electricity and food prices, would have a negative impact on the disposable income of consumers.

Msibi said possible positive influences on new vehicle sales included a slight increase in sales to the vehicle rental industry on the back of improved tourism activity and some increase in government spending if the post-general election government targeted delivery.

But Msibi said the South African economy was in a worse position now than a year ago when there was an improvement in confidence following the ANC’s elective conference.

He said business confidence and GDP forecasts were lower than a year ago, while interest rates were still under pressure from the volatility of the rand.

Msibi said WesBank expected consumers to delay purchases and buy down and move out of the passenger car premium market into the mainstream segments.

The compound annual growth in vehicle price inflation had been quite significant and would continue to put pressure on the premium car market segment, despite vehicle price inflation being lower than consumer price inflation.

“With the higher baseline pricing in those segments, the percentage increases translate into a significantly higher rand amount.

"When customers have to compare getting into a similar car, the price differential is massive.

“Customers will either go into the used segment or buy down based on what is available from competitors and what they would classify as money for value products,” he said.

Msibi added that based on manufacturers slashing their sales forecasts, WesBank was not expecting a continuation this year of the lucrative market incentives from manufacturers and dealers to aid sales.

https://www.iol.co.za/business-repo...ales-expected-to-drop-by-1-this-year-18956550

 

[FiestaST]

Here’s how BMW plans to reclaim sales title from Mercedes

Earlier in January, we took a closer look at annual sales data from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, determining that the Stuttgart-based brand outsold its Munich-based foe in 2018.

Yes, the BMW brand registered 2 125 026 units over the course of the year, representing a year-on-year increase of 1,8 percent. The Mercedes-Benz brand, meanwhile, reached 2 310 185 units over the same period, growing by 0,9 percent. By our maths, that saw the latter win by 185 159 units (for the record, Audi delivered 1 812 500 units in 2018, some 3,5 percent down).

Pieter Nota, BMW’s board member responsible for sales, told Automotive News Europe the Bavarian automaker had the “objective” to reclaim the title of world’s top-selling premium brand.

“Of course, we have that objective and the launch of the X7 SUV and the renewal of the overall X range play a very important role here,” Nota told the publication, suggesting the automaker planned to drive sales in 2019 with its crossover line-up.

“But we define ‘number one’ in multiple ways. It is not only unit sales but also profitability and being fit for the future. We have defined a triangle: growth, profitability and future fitness. All are being equally important,” he said.

Asked to define “fit for the future”, Nota explained “a variety of factors” were involved.

“These include the strength of our brands, which we regularly measure and invest in, and the development and investment in future technologies, such as those that are incorporated in the BMW Vision iNext.”

Nota furthermore suggested there was growth potential in the area of electrified vehicles.

“In 2017, we sold more than 100 000 electrified vehicles and we were on track to reach our goal of 140 000 [for 2018]. By the end of this year, we will have a combined 500 000 electrified vehicles on the road and in 2025 we will have at least 25 electrified vehicles, of which half will be full-electric and the rest will be plug-in hybrids,” he said.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/heres-how-bmw-plans-to-reclaim-sales-title-from-mercedes/

 

[FiestaST]

Vehicle price price hikes continue to trail general inflation

South African new and used vehicle price increases continue to trail general inflation, according to the Vehicle Pricing Index released by TransUnion.

The index reveals that new vehicles prices showed an annual increase of 2.5 percent during the fourth quarter of 2018, versus 2.4 percent in Q4 2017, while used vehicle inflation slowed to 1.6 percent in the last quarter of 2018, from 3.5 percent a year earlier.


Both were well below the general consumer price inflation of 4.5 percent recorded for the final quarter of last year.

“Challenging economic conditions have seen manufacturers reduce the price of new vehicles in real terms as a way of stimulating sales,” TransUnion Africa head Kriben Reddy said.

“It is important to consider the overall cost of owning a vehicle, not just the purchase price. Factors such as household disposable income and consumer confidence are also part of the changing dynamics of the vehicle market."

Market to remain under pressure

Also worth noting was that overall consumer confidence is holding steady at present, according to data released in January, following a significant deterioration in confidence levels across all income levels was noted in November last year.

This is pushing buyers into more affordable cars, says TransUnion, with the percentage of new and used vehicles being finance below R200 000 now standing at 37 percent, up from 36 percent in the previous quarter.

The vehicle market as a whole, however, is not expected to show meaningful growth anytime soon.

“Unless broader economic growth is stimulated, the automotive sector won't see a significant improvement in the near term,” Reddy added.

“There are only so many levers manufacturers can use to stimulate market demand, including pricing, marketing incentives, trade-in assistance and tools such as residual value that can ease the pressure on consumers’ cash flow.

“However, measures such as residual value can add up over time and push consumers out of the buying cycle. At a dealer level, there are indications that the market is swinging toward used vehicles, which tend to have a larger margin than new vehicle sales.”

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indu...-continue-to-trail-general-inflation-19024958

 

[FiestaST]

More and more SA buyers are financing cars below R200k

TransUnion Africa’s Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) was pushed below inflation in the final quarter of 2018 thanks to a constrained economy, a VAT hike and petrol price increases, with the latest data also revealing the percentage of new and used vehicles financed below R200 000 has increased to 37 percent.

The VPI – which measures the relationship between the increase in vehicle pricing for new and used vehicles – fell below inflation for the sixth consecutive quarter, although TransUnion said the outlook for 2019 was “looking more positive”.

New and used vehicle prices showed annual increases of 2,5 percent and 1,6 percent respectively in the fourth quarter of the year. There was a small increase in the rate of growth for new vehicles, which had an annual rate of price inflation of 2,4 percent a year earlier, but a marked decrease in the rate of price inflation for used vehicles, which stood 3,5 percent in Q4 2017.

This was, however, lower than consumer price inflation over the same period, which ended on 4,5 percent in December after a high of 5,2 percent in November 2018.

The VPI report showed the number of new and used vehicles financed below the R200 000 mark stood at 37 percent, up from the previous quarter’s 36 percent. This points to a consistent increase in used car loans, with the average financed deal currently coming in at around R295 000.

For the record, some 27 percent of vehicle finance deals (again, new and used) fell between R200 000 and R300 000, while 36 percent came above R300 000.

“Thirty-nine percent of used vehicle sales during the period were for cars that were less than two years old, while 10 percent were for demo models. In the South African market, there is a significant price differential between new and used vehicles, so demo models and used vehicles less than two years old offer attractive alternatives to purchasing a new vehicle – especially as the baseline price of new vehicles now sits at the R200 000 to R300 000 band,” said Kriben Reddy, head of TransUnion Auto in Africa.

Furthermore, the VPI revealed that new and used passenger vehicle finance deals decreased year-on-year by seven and 15 percent respectively, while the used-to-new ratio decreased from 2,22:1 in Q4 2017 to 2,03:1 in Q4 2018. Total financial agreement volumes in the passenger vehicle market also decreased by 12 percent between Q4 2017 and Q4 2018.

“Challenging economic conditions have seen manufacturers reduce the price of new vehicles in real terms as a way of stimulating sales. It is important to consider the overall cost of owning a vehicle not just the purchase price. Factors such as household disposable income and consumer confidence are also part of the changing dynamics of the vehicle market,” explained Reddy.

He added that low consumer confidence levels had a direct impact on whether a consumer would consider entering into the buying cycle or simply wait for conditions to improve.

“Even when the consumer decides to proceed with a purchase, it is often at a lower price point, which places pressure on manufacturers and dealers and erodes their profit margins.”

After fuel prices surged to record highs in October 2018, consumers saw some relief in January 2019.

“Although further fuel price drops are expected, this is unlikely to have a significant impact on vehicle sales. Aside from the increase in VAT, a depreciating rand and slow economic growth, consumers also face the looming prospect of electricity tariff increases as an embattled Eskom tries to recover,” Reddy added.

He warned that “unless broader economic growth is stimulated”, the automotive sector wouldn’t see a significant improvement in the near term.

“There are only so many levers manufacturers can use to stimulate market demand, including pricing, marketing incentives, trade-in assistance and tools such as residual value that can ease the pressure on consumers’ cash flow. However, measures such as residual value can add up over time and push consumers out of the buying cycle.

“At a dealer level, there are indications that the market is swinging toward used vehicles, which tend to have a larger margin than new vehicle sales. After-sales service is also a potential growth area for dealers and can ease the pressure from lower sales while the market recovers.”

Still, Reddy said there was reason to be optimistic.

“The latest GDP figures show encouraging signs of an economic turnaround, which should translate into improved consumer confidence and better trading conditions. While new vehicle sales are likely to show flat or marginal growth in 2019, there is potential for improved growth in the used car market provided quality stock is available. Dealers will need be cognisant of consumers [who] are struggling with constrained cash flow and indebtedness – offers will need to be tailored accordingly.”

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/sa-buyers-financing-cars-r200k/

 

[FiestaST]

And the world’s biggest automaker for sales in 2018 was

The results are in, folks. The major automotive groups battling for the title of the biggest automaker in the world have all announced their sales statistics for 2018.

So, what happened last year? Well, as usual, things are a little complicated (as they are with the premium sales battle)…

You see, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi’s various brands sold a combined total of 10 756 875 units over the 12 months, representing an increase of 1,4 percent, year on year. The Alliance thus claimed it “maintained its position as the world leader in volume sales of passenger and light commercial vehicles”.

And that’s technically true. But earlier in January the Volkswagen Group reported total sales of 10 834 000 units, up 0,9 percent. This, however, includes Man (136 500) and Scania (96 500) heavy truck sales. If these two are removed from the equation, the VW Group’s passenger and light commercial sales total 10 601 000 units, putting the German firm in second place.

And Toyota Motor Corporation? Well, the Japanese firm reported sales of 10 594 000 for 2018, a year-on-year increase of some 2,0 percent. While this figure obviously includes the Lexus and Daihatsu brands, it also takes into account Toyota’s Hino heavy trucks division (204 000). Removing the latter from the calculation puts Toyota in third place at 10 390 000 passenger and light commercial sales for the year (although as a single brand, it’s the largest).

Drilling down into the Alliance’s figures, we see Groupe Renault (including the likes of Renault, Dacia, Lada and Alpine) accounted for 3 884 295 units, while Nissan managed 5 653 683 units. Mitsubishi, meanwhile, ended up on 1 218 897 units worldwide, up 18,3 percent.

The VW Group’s biggest total predictably came from Volkswagen (6 244 900), with Audi (1 812 500), Škoda (1 253 700) and Seat (517 600) next in line. VW’s commercial division added 499 700 units, while Porsche accounted for 256 300 sales.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/and-the-biggest-automaker-in-the-world-for-sales-in-2018-was/

 

[FiestaST]

25 best-selling passenger vehicles in Europe for 2018

The car market in Europe remained stable during 2018, with 15,6 million vehicles registered across the continent (up slightly on 2017 and the best result since 2007). But which were the best-selling passenger cars of the year?

Well, thanks to the studious folks over at Jato Dynamics, a global supplier of automotive business intelligence, we now know…

As you can see in the graphic embedded below (which furthermore includes the best-selling brands), the Volkswagen Golf was again the best-selling car in Europe, despite an eight percent fall in registrations. The outgoing Renault Clio placed second, while the Volkswagen Polo was third as the only vehicle in the top 10 to record double-digit growth.

Jato reports there was little change in the top 10, with the exception of the Toyota Yaris. Boosted by an increase in sales of its hybrid model, the Japanese hatchback was the ninth-best-selling car in Europe in 2018, having ranked 15th in 2017. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra fell from the top 10, with its registrations dropping by 18 percent.

The Ford Fiesta was fourth overall, while the Nissan Qashqai kept its place as the best-selling SUV in Europe (and fifth overall), despite strong growth posted by the Peugeot 3008. The French firm’s 208 was sixth and VW’s Tiguan seventh. The Mercedes A-Class led the premium rankings (and placed 23rd overall), as the popularity of its new generation enabled it to dethrone the C-Class.

Jato says the majority of vehicles registered in 2018 were powered by petrol, with this fuel type making up 57 percent of all registrations. This result marks a seven-point market share increase on 2017 and a 12-point increase in 10 years, confirming that petrol vehicles continue to benefit from the demise of diesel in Europe.

Diesel vehicles counted for just 36 percent of all registrations, as their market share dropped eight points on 2017 and 19 points on 2011 – the peak year for the fuel type. Interestingly, pure electric vehicles outsold plug-in hybrid vehicles, as their volume increased by 47 percent from 132 800 vehicles in 2017 to 195 300 vehicles in 2018.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/25-best-selling-passenger-vehicles-europe-2018/

 

[FiestaST]

And the world's top car company (in terms of 2018 sales) is

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance narrowly held onto its place as the top seller of cars last year despite the spectacular arrest of its boss Carlos Ghosn, figures showed on Wednesday, very narrowly beating Volkswagen and Toyota.

The French-Japanese alliance, which first took the top spot in 2017, saw its sales rise by 1.4 percent last year to reach 10.76 million passenger cars and light utility vehicles.

While Nissan saw sales of its brands slide 2.8 percent last year, Renault posted a gain of 3.2 percent and Mitsubishi revved 18 percent higher.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen announced record sales of 10.83 million vehicles by its stable of a dozen brands including Audi and Porsche, an increase of 0.9 percent.

But that figure includes 233 000 trucks sold by its MAN and Scania brands, and once those are stripped out the group sold 10.6 million cars and light utility vehicles, putting it just behind Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.

Toyota remained in third place last year with sales of 10.59 million vehicles, a figure that also includes trucks.

GM, which sold off its Opel brand in 2017, is expected to come in fourth place with sales of more than 8 million vehicles in 2018.

Hyundai, which includes Kia, rounds out the top five with 7.4 million vehicles, a record for the Korean group.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indu...ar-company-in-terms-of-2018-sales-is-19060299

 

[joshuatree]

https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/news/2019-01-31-sas-best-selling-vehicles-of-2018/





SA’s best-selling vehicles of 2018

A list of the top movers and shakers in the car, SUV and bakkie segments

31 January 2019 - 07:15BY MOTORING REPORTER





Following last week’s breakdown of 2018 new-vehicle sales performance by brand, this week we bring you detailed numbers of the top-selling model ranges overall and in the most popular segments.

The figures are skewed by the fact that big players like BMW and Mercedes-Benz don’t reveal their sales figures, but suffice to say the status quo remains largely unchanged with usual suspects Toyota and Volkswagen taking the lion’s share, with Ford and Nissan also featuring strongly in the SUV and bakkie ranks. Korean brands Hyundai and Kia continue to make strong inroads into the local market, and Suzuki is showing good growth.

The move from hatches and sedans to SUVs continues unabated as buyers opt for their superior practicality and raised ride heights (and in some cases actual off-road ability).

TOP 20 SELLING MODEL RANGES OVERALL – 2018

1 Toyota Hilux – 40,022

2 Ford Ranger – 30,135

3 VW Polo – 29,789

4 VW Polo Vivo – 27,318

5 Nissan NP200 – 19,582

6 Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest – 17,239

7 Toyota Quantum – 16,584

8 Isuzu KB – 14,181

9 Toyota Fortuner – 13,099

10 Hyundai Grand i10 – 11,942

11 Toyota Etios – 10,410

12 Renault Kwid - 9,695

13 Kia Picanto - 9,119

14 Toyota Yaris – 8,717

15 Nissan NP300 – 8,644

16 Ford Figo - 6,544

17 VW Tiguan – 6,306

18 Ford Fiesta – 6,021

19 Toyota RAV-4 – 5,936

20 Hyundai i20 - 5,831



COMPACT CARS

VW Polo – 29,789

VW Polo Vivo – 27,318

Hyundai Grand i10 – 11,942

Toyota Etios – 10,410

Renault Kwid – 9,695

Kia Picanto – 9,119

Toyota Yaris – 8,717

Ford Figo – 6,544

Ford Fiesta – 6,021

Hyundai i20 – 5,831



MEDIUM CARS

Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest – 17,239

VW Golf – 4,508

Nissan Almera – 4,340

Mazda 3 – 3,019

Audi A3 – 2,946

Hyundai Accent – 1,925

Ford Focus – 1,587

VW Jetta – 1,505

Hyundai Elantra – 1,271

Honda Ballade – 931








COMPACT SUVs

Ford Ecosport – 5,769

Hyundai Creta – 4,870

Mazda CX-3 – 3,770

Renault Duster – 2,670

Toyota C-HR – 2,273

Suzuki Ignis – 2,190

Renault Captur – 1,917

Nissan Juke – 1,467

Suzuki Jimny – 1,091

Honda HR-V – 998



MEDIUM SUVs

VW Tiguan – 6,306

Toyota RAV-4 – 5,936

Mazda CX-5 – 4,702

Hyundai Tucson – 3,701

Nissan X-Trail – 3,345

Nissan Qashqai – 2,699

Kia Sportage – 2,292

Toyota Rush – 2,131

Honda BR-V – 1,609

Ford Kuga – 1,162



LARGE SUVs

Toyota Fortuner – 13,099

Ford Everest – 4,793

Toyota Land Cruiser – 1,306

Toyota Prado – 1,223

Range Rover Sport – 991

Isuzu MU-X – 756

Land Rover Discovery – 756

Range Rover Velar – 661

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – 535

Volvo XC90 – 426



EXECUTIVE CARS

Audi A4 – 1,502

Audi A5 – 705

VW Arteon – 211

VW Passat – 157

Lexus ES – 146

Audi A6 – 115

Volvo S90 – 92

Jaguar XF – 83

Lexus IS – 62

Jaguar XE – 30

BAKKIES (ALL)

Toyota Hilux – 40,022

Ford Ranger – 30,135

Nissan NP200 – 19,582

Isuzu KB – 14,181

Nissan NP300 – 8,644

Hyundai H100 - 3,241

VW Amarok - 2,972

Mahindra Scorpio – 2,400

Toyota Land Cruiser – 2,388

Nissan Navara – 2,094



* Figures exclude BMW, Haval/GWM and Mercedes-Benz, who do not report their sales figures.

 

[FiestaST]

SEE: The most popular car colours in SA

Rental-car white or fiery red - Which paint-job is the most popular choice among SA car buyers?s

Statistics from Lightstone Auto reveal that when it comes to car colour South Africans prefer rental-car friendly white.

Bland is better

More vibrant colours such as orange and purple are least favoured with a figure of less than 1% of total vehicles sold.

Another factor at play is resale and availability of those colours.

We expect the list to remain the same pretty much throughout 2019 with the exception of minor changes among black, silver and blue paint jobs:

https://www.wheels24.co.za/News/Guides_and_Lists/see-the-most-popular-car-colours-in-sa-20190131

 

[stroller]

Only 24 Peugeots were sold in January 2019.
Read an overview:

NAAMSA MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


COMMENT ON THE JANUARY, 2019 INDUSTRY NEW VEHICLE SALES STATISTICS


Commenting on the new vehicle sales statistics for the month of January, 2019 – released today for public
consumption via the website of the Department of Trade & Industry – the Association said that domestic
new vehicle sales had started the year on a weak note principally due to lower than expected new car
sales. In the event, aggregate domestic sales at 42 374 units had declined by 3 398 units or 7.4% from the
45 772 vehicles sold in January last year. In contrast, export sales had started the year on a relatively
strong note with January 2019 export sales at 18 289 vehicles which reflected a substantial improvement
of 4 160 vehicles or a gain of 29.4% compared to the 14 129 vehicles exported in January last year.
South Africa had experienced a low growth environment over the past five years and it was generally
expected that this would continue until after the general election. Hopefully, post-election policy reforms
and government’s commitment to revitalise the South African economy with the aim of achieving a
substantially higher economic growth rate should translate into improved domestic sales numbers during
the second half of 2019.
Overall, out of the total reported Industry sales of 42 374 vehicles, an estimated 33 633 units or 79.4%
represented dealer sales, an estimated 14.3% represented sales to the vehicle rental Industry, 3.5% to
government and 2.8% to industry corporate fleets.
The January, 2019 new car market had been particularly weak and at 29 040 had registered a fall of 3 512
cars or a decline of 10.8% compared to the 32 552 new cars sold in January last year. As had been the
case for most of last year, the car rental Industry had made a major contribution accounting for 19.9% of
new car sales in January, 2019 – translating into one in every five new cars sold during the month being a
car rental sale


Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini buses at 11 681 units during January,
2019 was virtually unchanged from the 11 679 light commercial vehicles sold during the corresponding
month last year.


Sales in the low volume medium and heavy truck segments of the Industry had held up relatively well and
at 552 units and 1 101 units, respectively, reflected a gain of 109 vehicles or an improvement of 24.6%, in
the case of medium commercial vehicles, and, in the case of heavy trucks and buses, a marginal
improvement of 3 vehicles or a gain of 0.3% compared to the corresponding month last year.
The January, 2019 export sales number was encouraging in view of the fact that a major vehicle exporter
had only restarted production at the end of January, 2019 to allow for plant refurbishment. Despite this,
January, 2019 export sales at 18 289 vehicles showed a substantial improvement of 4 160 units or a gain
of 29.4% compared to the 14 129 vehicles exported in the same month last year. The momentum of
vehicle exports over the course of 2019 was expected to increase substantially and industry export sales
for the year were, at this stage, projected at around 385 000 units compared to the 351 139 vehicles
exported last year.


Prospects for domestic new vehicle sales would be affected by the subdued current macro-economic
environment and pressure on consumers’ disposable income. The November, 2018 0.25% increase in
interest rates had impacted on new car demand due to higher vehicle financing costs. Most automotive
companies expected new vehicle sales to be flat during the first half of the year, however, following the
general election and policy reforms, including expectations of a growth enhancing budget, domestic sal
should improve during the second half of the year. The expected business conditions component of the
latest Purchasing Managers’ Index, which tracked expected business conditions in six months time, had
risen sharply. Besides this positive development, average new vehicle pricing remained at around 2.5%
remained well below the inflation rate and this would assist in improved new vehicle affordability for
consumers.


NAAMSA OFFICES: PRETORIA 1st February, 2019



"As had been the case for most of last year, the car rental Industry had made a major contribution accounting for 19.9% of new car sales in January, 2019 – translating into one in every five new cars sold during the month being a
car rental sale."
The Dealers must be bleeding and even more so when these cars come up for resale