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New Car Sales Slump Continues

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The new vehicle industry’s sales performance continued on its downward trajectory in August, according to the latest data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa. Industry achieved sales of 46 146 vehicles last month, a year-on-year decline of 9.5%. Passenger sales remained weak, with a 13.1% decline, while light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales remained resilient with sales down only 1%.

The majority of consumers purchase cars through the dealer channel, the passenger and LCV sales fell 18.1% and 5.5%, respectively. Sales through the rental channel grew slightly, year-on-year, at 0.8% – in line with rental companies renewing their fleets. Year-to-date, sales have fallen 10.5%, drawing on from WesBank’s 2016 forecast which anticipates the market to be 12% down from last year.

WesBank’s data also indicates that August’s weak new vehicle sales were driven by this year’s predominant trend: customers shifting to the used market. A total of 133 094 vehicle finance applications were received last month – year-on year growth of 3.7% – and the highest number of applications received for any month of 2016, so far. However, within this there was an 11.1% decline in applications for new vehicles, due to the shift to the used car market. Here, demand for used vehicle finance grew 11.2%, resulting in the used-to-new vehicle ratio growing to 1.67:1.

Buyers financing new vehicles are spending more than ever before, with the price of a new vehicle financed in August at nearly R297 000 – an increase of 13.4%, year-on-year. Demand in the used market drove up prices of pre-owned cars by 9.2% during the same period, with the average used deal now sitting at just over R190 000.

WesBank advises consumers to be sensible when it comes to structuring vehicle finance contracts, and not overextend themselves financially. Paying bigger deposits will help reduce monthly instalments, while shorter contract terms will help buyers reach their contract’s breakeven point sooner – thus avoiding having to delay their new car purchase until it becomes a financial actuality. Car buyers are encouraged to make use the WesBank Affordability calculator before starting their car-buying journey.

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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.