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South Africans weren’t shy about dropping cash on new cars in March, with vehicle sales surging 12.5% to 49,493 units.
That’s a serious flex in consumer confidence, according to Naamsa, the motor industry’s big boss.
Leading the charge? Passenger cars, up a whopping 25.3% to 33,447 units – clearly, Mzansi is feeling the need for fresh wheels.
Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa chalks it up to stable inflation (3.2% in February) and earlier monetary easing, making financing a little less painful.
But it wasn’t all smooth cruising. Bakkies and minibuses had a rough ride, down 8.4%, with medium and heavy trucks also taking a slight knock.
Generally, South African car exports didn’t just survive this month; they thrived, rocketing up 31.1% to 39,477 units. This, even as the latest US presidential drama cast a shadow over SA’s export future.
Mabasa quipped that this shows the industry is proving its resilience despite global uncertainty.
Toyota Still Reigns, But Suzuki’s Shaking Things Up
Toyota once again crushed the competition, shifting 11,660 units. But here’s the kicker—Suzuki outpaced Volkswagen for the runner-up spot. Looks like more South Africans are embracing the compact, budget-friendly life.
Top 15 Selling Brands – March
- Toyota – 11,660
- Suzuki Auto – 5,284
- Volkswagen group – 4,913
- Hyundai – 3,103
- Ford – 2,907
- Isuzu – 2,759
- Nissan – 2,303
- Mahindra – 2,253
- GWM – 2,066
- Chery – 1,902
Top 30 Selling Models – March
The Toyota Hilux kept its crown with 2,923 sales, proving once again that South Africans love a tough bakkie. But the Suzuki Swift (1,608) and VW Polo Vivo (1,703) showed that smaller, affordable rides aren’t going anywhere.
- Toyota Hilux – 2,923
- Isuzu D-Max – 2,250
- VW Polo Vivo – 1,703
- Suzuki Swift – 1,608
- Toyota Corolla Cross – 1,570
So, what’s the takeaway? If March is anything to go by, South Africans are still willing to splash out on new cars, but not every sector is benefiting.
SUVs and budget hatchbacks are thriving, while bakkies and minibuses are taking a bit of a knock. Let’s see if the trend continues.
[Source: Sowetan Live]
