South Africa’s 58 vehicle brands sold a combined 50 920 units in April as they benefitted from an uninterrupted sales month and high levels of marketing activity.
South Africa’s 58 vehicle brands sold a combined 50 920 units in April as they benefitted from an uninterrupted sales month and high levels of marketing activity.
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) sales decreased by 17.54% over March 2013, but it increased by 19.5% over the same month in 2012.
“The industry definitely benefited from the extra selling days we gained in April,” said Calvyn Hamman, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, in reference to the fact that the Easter holidays were celebrated in March this year.
“Even when one combines the two months the trend is very positive when compared to the same period in 2012. Not only did the industry have more days in April to sell, but they also sold more cars per day, increasing their daily sales rate from 1 937 units per day in April 2012 to 2 122 units.”
Toyota retained its market lead for the year after selling 9 896 cars in April, with the Hilux being South Africa’s most popular car – it boasts local sales of 3 227 units.
The Hilux is also spearheading Toyota’s continued export success.
With exports of 7 222 units in a total export market of 22 907 units, Toyota is now responsible for one in every three cars exported from South Africa.
“Sales have grown by 7.5% in the year to date and we expect it to continue at this pace or slightly lower for the remainder of the year,” Hamman said.
