Toyota retained its market leadership position during a difficult trading month, recording 7 916 units sold – which translates to 17.7 percent market share. This indicates that one in every six vehicles that were bought in April were Toyota models.
Ford also achieved its highest-ever sales for April and segment-topping volumes for key models. With total sales of 6 483 units for April 2015, FMCSA increased its volumes by 24.5 percent compared to the same month last year. As a result, Ford’s overall market share has climbed to a new high of 16.3 percent, while year-to-date sales have surged by 12.1 percent relative to the same period in 2014.
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) April 2015 aggregate new vehicle sales at 44 503 units were slightly down from the 46 016 vehicles sold in April last year.
Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 44 503 vehicles, an estimated 38 780 units or 87.2 percent represented dealer sales, 6.3 percent constituted sales to government, 4.2 percent to industry corporate fleets and 2.3 percent represented sales to the vehicle rental industry.
“April is usually a short month but this one felt even shorter with many consumers taking an extended break in the last week of the month. We believe that May will possibly see the benefits of this,” says Calvyn Hamman, Toyota South Africa’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “However, Toyota managed to stay on top for the fourth consecutive month this year – this despite a highly competitive market.”
What is of particular interest is the lower number of Quantum units being delivered during April and the resultant decline in overall Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment.
“Quantum is isually one of our star performers selling in excess of 1 200 units, however, in preparation of localising the build of Quantum Sesfikile, numbers were lower this month,” says Hamman, adding that the company expects to recover these losses once the new plant is in full production.