South African motor trade sales rose by 23,2% year-on-year in March 2005 to R18 308-billion compared with those for March 2004, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported on Tuesday.
However, the seasonally adjusted motor trade sales for the first quarter of 2005 decreased by 0,3% compared with the previous quarter.
The strong trend in new vehicle sales growth continued in May 2005 with the industry recording its best-ever figures for the month of May after a 33,5% year-on-year increase to 45 867 units, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) said last week.
On an aggregate year-to-date basis, new vehicle sales remained 27,1% ahead of the corresponding five months of 2005.
New car sales in March 2005 rose by 34,7% y/y to 30 060 units. Sales volumes remained 29% ahead of last years’ corresponding sales, according to Naamsa figures.
Improved stock availability had assisted sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses, which, at 13 340 units during May 2005 reflected an improvement 28% compared to the 10 421 unit sales in the corresponding month last year.
Sales of vehicles in the medium and heavy truck segments of the industry continued to register further remarkable gains and the May 2005 sales, at 1 177 units and 1 290 units respectively, recorded a spectacular
gain of 93,9% y/y, in the case of medium commercials, and 27,9% y/y, in the
case of heavy commercial vehicles and buses. These figures suggested continued
strong positive fixed investment in the transport sector and the broader economy, according to Naamsa. – I-Net Bridge