October 2008 South African Automotive Market Sales Analysis

In October 2008, South Africa’s total car sales were 38,143, a decrease of 6.6% from the previous month and a decrease of 30.1% from the same period of 2007.

Toyota Motor Corporation topped the list with 10,753, Volkswagen was second with 5777, and South Africa General Motors ranked third with 5,091. Ranked four to ten manufacturers followed by: South Africa, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, BMW, Honda, Suzuki and Chrysler.

Passenger car

In October 2008, the total passenger vehicle sales in South Africa was 23,077 units, a decrease of 8.9% from the previous month and a decrease of 33.4% compared with the same period in 2007. The top three vendors are: Toyota (5,807), Volkswagen (5431) and South Africa General Motors (2053). Among them, Volkswagen and Toyota's competition in the passenger vehicle market in South Africa is particularly fierce.

Light commercial vehicle

In October 2008, the total sales volume of light commercial vehicles in South Africa was 12,384 vehicles, a decrease of 2.0% from the previous month and a decrease of 23.4% compared with the same period in 2007. Among them, the top ranked manufacturers are: Toyota (4454), South Africa General Motors (2993), South Africa Ford (2020) and Nissan (1475).

Medium Commercial Vehicle

In October 2008, the total sales volume of medium-sized commercial vehicles in South Africa was 815 units, a decrease of 5.0% from the previous month and a decrease of 45.3% compared with the same period in 2007. Companies with large market share of medium-sized commercial vehicles in South Africa include Toyota (254 cars), Mercedes-Benz (138 cars), South Africa General Motors (97 cars) and Volkswagen (92 cars).

Heavy commercial vehicle

In October 2008, the total sales volume of heavy commercial vehicles in South Africa was 514, a decrease of 11.5% from the previous month and a decrease of 34.4% compared with the same period in 2007. Among them, Toyota ranked first with 171, South Africa General Motors, Nissan Diesel, Mercedes-Benz and Tata two to five.

Super heavy commercial vehicle

In October 2008, the total sales of ultra-heavy commercial vehicles in South Africa was 1,228 units, a decrease of 8.0% from the previous month and a decrease of 8.8% from the same period of 2007. In the South African super-heavy commercial vehicle market, Mercedes-Benz outshines Nissan Diesel, Volvo and MANN.

Bus (8.5 tons or more)

In October 2008, the total sales of passenger cars (over 8.5 tons) in South Africa was 125, up 10.6% from the previous month and 17.8% from the same period in 2007. Among them, MANN, Volkswagen and Iveco are ranked in the top three.