WEDNESDAY, 10.30AM:
NEW car sales in July increased for the second consecutive month, rising 2,1% against last July to 21 994 units.
Latest figures from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA show new passenger car sales for the first seven months of this year up 2,9%, at 144 446 units, over the same period last year. However, total year-on-year growth is expected to remain static as final quarter sales figures are not expected to be able to match last year.
Despite an overall increase in passenger car sales, the Naamsa figures show a continued shift to cheaper entry-level cars, which accounted for 43% of the total sales.
Sales of light commefcials were up 7% to 12 260 units, while medium commercial sales increased 12% to 532 units. Heavy commercial sales fell 16,8%, to 646 trucks. Exports, meanwhile, increased 75% for the first half, to 7 343 units.