OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Thursday 4.35pm
NEW car sales in April were encouraging despite the number of public holidays during the month, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.
Latest figures released by Naamsa showed that 14827 new passenger cars were sold in April, some 1354 units or 10% more than in April 1999. Even if one excludes figures from new participants Renault and Volvo sales were still up 3% against last April, and that in a month with fewer selling days — 19 against last April’s 21.
Light commercial sales were uninspiring, the 6 588 bakkies and minibuses sold representing 341 units or 4,9% down on last April.
However, sales of new medium and heavy commercial vehicles recorded strong gains, on last April, reflecting improved fixed investment activity in the economy. Some 385 medium commercials sold in April, 83 units or 26,9% up on last year, while 522 heavy trucks were sold, 96 units or 22,5% up on last April.
First quarter vehicle exports also held up well, with March exports bouncing back after Volkswagen production returned to normality following extended labour action. Some 5537 new vehicles were exported in March, after only 3 256 locally built vehicles left the country in February. Overall, 11633 locally built vehicles were exported in the first quarter of this year against 11266 in the same period last year.