During April 2010 a total of 23 606 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales in April decreased by 17.1 percent when compared to March 2010, but increased by 40.8 percent when compared to April 2009, bringing the year-to-date April market in 2010 to a level 26.6 percent above the same period for 2009.
“Despite the month of April traditionally being a relatively slow month for new passenger car sales as a result of the number of public and school holidays that fall during the month, April 2010, while down on the March new car market as expected, performed well with the selling rate of new cars per day during the month remaining relatively buoyant,” said Mike Glendinning, Director of Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen of South Africa.
“With total passenger car sales of 5 389, Volkswagen of South Africa captured 22.8% of the April passenger market and thereby continued to dominate this sector of the South African vehicle market,” said Glendinning.
“The new entry level Polo Vivo was the best selling passenger Brand in April with sales of 2 187 units. This was a very encouraging response from the consumer to our new Polo Vivo,” continued Glendinning.
“Audi captured 3.7% of the total passenger market with sales of 885 units – no mean feat for our premium segment Brand.”
“Looking ahead, real household disposable income reflected growth during the fourth quarter of 2009, a trend which in all probability will continue into the first quarter of 2010. House prices are growing slowly, the stock exchange has performed well, both business and consumer confidence has reflected encouraging growth in the first quarter and the Reserve Bank’s leading indicator of economic activity has grown strongly. All of which augers well for accelerated recovery in consumption demand in months to come.”
“This outlook suggests ongoing growth in demand for new passenger cars in coming months which should be further supported by a continued slowing in the rate of increase in new vehicle prices as a result of currency strength, a declining local rate of inflation and a highly competitive trading environment,” concluded Glendinning.
