Local is Lekker

When it comes to buying new vehicles, South Africans have a growing preference for purchasing locally made cars, according to year-to-date sales data from WesBank and Naamsa. Sales records from January to July 2017 show that nine of the 10 top-selling cars and bakkies are models built in South Africa – accounting for 34.1% of passenger car and light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales, year-to-date.

“It’s remarkable that the top ten sellers are all South African, especially with more than 350 models on sale today,” said Rudolf Mahoney. “This incredible demand for locally built vehicles perfectly illustrates how important the motor industry is to the local economy and consumers.”

Between January and the end of July, a total 301 486 passenger cars and LCVs were sold countrywide. Of the 358 different models on sale this year, only 25 are built in South Africa. Despite only representing 7% of all models on sale, South African-built cars enjoy a healthy 45.5% of sales, compared to the 54.5% sales share for the 326 imported models on sale.

Bakkies remain the most popular, accounting for 55% of year-to-date sales among SA-built vehicles. Bakkies form part of the LCV segment, which also includes minibuses and light vehicles that have been refitted for commercial use. Between 2012 and 2016, the LCV segment grew 7.1%, while total vehicle sales over that period declined 18.8%.

“Bakkies aren’t just commercial vehicles anymore, consumers are also using them to enable their lifestyles. Locally built passenger cars also fill a need: many of them are mainstream models that fill the need for affordable transport,” said Mahoney. “Consumers aren’t necessarily buying these models because they’re local. Rather, it’s a case of manufacturers choosing to build these models locally because there is high demand. However, the result benefits both parties.”

The 10 top-selling passenger cars for 2017, year-to-date:

1. VW Polo Vivo – Local
2. VW Polo – Local
3. TOYOTA Fortuner – Local
4. TOYOTA Etios – Import
5. TOYOTA Corolla Quest – Local
6. FORD Fiesta – Import
7. FORD EcoSport – Import
8. VW Polo Vivo Sedan – Local
9. RENAULT Kwid – Import
10. TOYOTA RAV – Import

The 10 top-selling bakkies for 2017, year-to-date:

1. TOYOTA Hilux – Local
2. FORD Ranger – Local
3. NISSAN NP200 – Local
4. ISUZU KB – Local
5. NISSAN NP300 – Local
6. CHEV Utility – Local
7. HYUNDAI H100 Bakkie – Local and import
8. TOYOTA Landcruiser PU – Import
9. VW Amarok – Import
10. VW Caddy – Import

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE

Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.

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