TOTAL vehicle sales in July rose by 11,8% on the June figures, a sign that the vehicle market has bottomed out and companies are beginning to spend again, said Brand Pretorius, ceo of McCarthy Retail, on Wednesday. The sales fell in line with industry expectations, although the trade is running significantly behind sales for July last year. Total sales are down 14,3% from July 1998. Pretorius is convinced the market is bottoming out, and is optimistic about the industry’s prospects. He cites sales to car rental companies, extended selling days in July and an increase in disposable income due to the listing of Old Mutual as factors in the boost.