Launches & Reviews News South Africa

New vehicle sales revving high

New vehicles sales grew by 22.8% in March compared to the same month last year and were up 8.8% up on February sales with 53 478 new units sold.

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), total sales were 53 478 vehicles, of which 35 167 were passenger vehicles.

The passenger vehicle segment showed a healthy jump of 23.5% over March 2010 and a growth of 3.3% compared to February 2011.

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is upbeat over its prospects with its Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) range and Ford Figo passenger car after cementing its standing in March as an overall top-four sales performer in South Africa.

Easter expected to take a bite out of sales

In March Ford sold 930 of its new Ford Ranger models and 1204 Figo cars.

"The Ford Figo's independent recognition as a finalist in the South African Car of The Year competition will certainly continue to maintain Ford's presence as a leader in this highly competitive space," says Dean Stoneley, Ford's vice president Marketing, Sales and Service.

While the vehicle market remains positive about continued growth the figures are expected to dip slightly in April because of the Easter holidays.

Below is a breakdown of the top sales in the key categories:

Top performing new passenger vehicles:

1. VW Polo Vivo2144
2.Toyota Corolla1984
3.VW Polo1823
4.Toyota Yaris ZEN1445
5.Mercedes C-Class1342
6.Ford Figo1204
7.BMW 3-Series1169
8.Toyota Fortuner983
9.Chevrolet Aveo894
10.Chevrolet Cruze725

Top performing light commercial vehicles

1.Toyota Hilux3767
2.Chevrolet Corsa Utility 1690
3.Isuzu KB1680
4.Nissan NP2001264
5.Toyota Quantum1121
6.Ford Ranger930
7.Nissan NP300 Hardbody857
8.Ford Bantam786
9.Mazda BT-50465
10.VW Amarok456

About Henrie Geyser

Henrie Geyser joined the online publishing industry through iafrica.com, where he worked for five years as news editor and editor. He now freelances for a variety of print and online publications, on the subjects of cars, food, and travel, among others; and is a member of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists. moc.acirfai@geirneh
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