NEW vehicle sales slowed during November, reflecting a slowing economy, strike-related supply problems, and moderating consumer demand, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa) said.
“Aggregate November 2013 domestic new vehicle sales at 50806 units showed a decline of 2459 vehicles or 4.6% from the 53265 units sold in November last year,” Naamsa said on its website.
Export sales had also declined year-on-year by 4.8%.
Out of the total reported industry sales of 50768 vehicles, about 83% were dealer sales, 8.5% were sales to the vehicle rental industry, 3.2% were sales to industry corporate fleets, and 5.3% were sold to government.
During November this year, a total of 34267 new cars were sold, representing a relatively steep decline of 2164 units or 5.9% fall compared to the 36431 new cars sold in November last year.
“Supply disruptions due to the car carrier industry strike and a moderation in consumer demand had probably been the main contributors to the lower sales number.
“However, the car rental industry had once again contributed positively to the November sales numbers and accounted for 12.1% of new cars sold during the month.”
Domestic sales of industry new light commercial vehicles, bakkies, and minibuses stood at 13719 units during November this year, a decline of 610 units or 4.3% compared to the 14329 light commercial vehicles sold in November last year.
Sales of medium and heavy trucks increased, with 12.7% more medium commercial vehicles sold and 12.5% more heavy trucks and buses sold compared to the corresponding month last year.
“The continuing strength in sales of trucks was indicative of spending on infrastructural related projects and suggested some improvement in capital investment trends,” Naamsa said.
Industry new vehicle exports declined by 1366 units or 4.8% during November this year, compared to the 28520 vehicles exported in November last year.
“This was due to the lagged effects of the September and October automotive industry strike and the current disruptions.”
In early September, National Union of Metalworkers of SA members in the motor and components sector embarked on a four-week strike.
The South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union members working for motor ferry firms, which transport vehicles by truck to car dealerships and to harbours, went on strike on November 13.
Vehicle exports are expected to gain momentum next year as export programmes are ramped up, and exports of light commercial vehicles in particular are expected to increase substantially next year.
“Domestically, expectations of lower economic growth and above-inflation new vehicle price increases would contribute to a more difficult trading environment and further moderation in sales growth momentum.
“Despite a less promising outlook for the automotive sector, the year as a whole would still represent the second or third best year on record in terms of domestic sales,” Naamsa said. — Sapa
Brakes on sales of new vehicles
“Aggregate November 2013 domestic new vehicle sales at 50806 units showed a decline of 2459 vehicles or 4.6% from the 53265 units sold in November last year,” Naamsa said on its website.
Export sales had also declined year-on-year by 4.8%.
Out of the total reported industry sales of 50768 vehicles, about 83% were dealer sales, 8.5% were sales to the vehicle rental industry, 3.2% were sales to industry corporate fleets, and 5.3% were sold to government.
During November this year, a total of 34267 new cars were sold, representing a relatively steep decline of 2164 units or 5.9% fall compared to the 36431 new cars sold in November last year.
“Supply disruptions due to the car carrier industry strike and a moderation in consumer demand had probably been the main contributors to the lower sales number.
“However, the car rental industry had once again contributed positively to the November sales numbers and accounted for 12.1% of new cars sold during the month.”
Domestic sales of industry new light commercial vehicles, bakkies, and minibuses stood at 13719 units during November this year, a decline of 610 units or 4.3% compared to the 14329 light commercial vehicles sold in November last year.
Sales of medium and heavy trucks increased, with 12.7% more medium commercial vehicles sold and 12.5% more heavy trucks and buses sold compared to the corresponding month last year.
“The continuing strength in sales of trucks was indicative of spending on infrastructural related projects and suggested some improvement in capital investment trends,” Naamsa said.
Industry new vehicle exports declined by 1366 units or 4.8% during November this year, compared to the 28520 vehicles exported in November last year.
“This was due to the lagged effects of the September and October automotive industry strike and the current disruptions.”
In early September, National Union of Metalworkers of SA members in the motor and components sector embarked on a four-week strike.
The South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union members working for motor ferry firms, which transport vehicles by truck to car dealerships and to harbours, went on strike on November 13.
Vehicle exports are expected to gain momentum next year as export programmes are ramped up, and exports of light commercial vehicles in particular are expected to increase substantially next year.
“Domestically, expectations of lower economic growth and above-inflation new vehicle price increases would contribute to a more difficult trading environment and further moderation in sales growth momentum.
“Despite a less promising outlook for the automotive sector, the year as a whole would still represent the second or third best year on record in terms of domestic sales,” Naamsa said. — Sapa
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