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Sales of new cars continues downward trend

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South Africa’s new vehicle sales market continued deteriorating in October 2016. The latest aggregated sales data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) show total industry sales of 48 745 new vehicles – a year-on-year decline of 10.1%. Year-to-date, the industry is down 11.2%, with sales of 459 486 new vehicles, compared to 517 152 new vehicles sold for the same period last year.

Overall demand has slowed across all vehicle segments, with passenger cars and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) seeing respective year-on-year declines of 9.5% and 10.7%. Sales to rental and fleet companies grew 31.6%, year-on-year, with total sales of 7 042 vehicles. Year-to-date, the rental market has grown 20.5%.

However, growth in the rental market could not offset losses in the dealer channel, where  new passenger car sales fell by 18.3%. This drop in demand at a dealer level correlates with data from WesBank, which shows 15.3% fewer loan applications received for new vehicles during October.

Affordability remains the main influencing factor for the decline in new vehicle sales and the migration to used. New car prices have increased above CPI rates, based on the Rand’s weakness over the last two years. In October the average new car financed was 12.7% more expensive than the same period in 2015. Additionally, rising living costs and higher interest rates have placed consumers’ monthly budgets under more pressure.  

“The new car market has been under pressure throughout the year, but receding consumer demand is even more pronounced,” said Simphiwe Nghona, CEO of Motor Retail at WesBank. “We’re seeing record numbers of applications for pre-owned vehicles. Consumers can get better value for money in the used market, where the average transaction value for financed a used car is nearly R100 000 less than a new car.”

October saw the highest-ever volumes for used vehicle finance, with 97 209 applications received – year-on-year growth of 3.4%.

“As we head towards the end of the year consumers should avoid the temptation to overspend, whether buying a new or used car. Any vehicle purchase now will have an impact on their budget for the next 4 – 6 years and they need to account for all monthly costs,” said Nghona. “This includes petrol costs, which are rising by 45c per litre this evening. If your budget cannot absorb these rising costs you might have an unpleasant festive season.”

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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.