South African new car sales for November 2012

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has released South African vehicle sales for the month of November 2012. According to NAAMSA, November reflected another solid performance compared to November 2011, with an improvement of 7.3%. Total domestic sales for the eleven months of 2012 remained 9.8% ahead compared to the corresponding eleven months of 2012.

South African new vehicle sales summary for November 2012

• Total November sales – 53 134 units (October 2012 – 57 845 units).
• November sales down by 8% or 4 711 units compared to October 2012.
• Year-To-Date sales 9.8% ahead compared to 2011.
• November sales 7.3% or 3 636 units up compared to November 2011.
• November export sales up by 8 088 units or 39.5%.
• Total November new car sales – 36 686 units.
• November new car sales down by 11.9% compared to October 2012.
• November new car sales up by 3 615 units or 10.9% compared to November 2011.
• Year-To-Date new car sales 11.6% ahead compared to 2011.

Despite signs of weakness in the economy, the South African automotive sector continues to show positive growth. Domestic sales were still supported by low interest rates, strong replacement demand, a competitive trading environment, attractive incentives and new model introductions. In terms of aggregate domestic sales, the automotive industry remained on track during 2012 for growth of around 10%.

Negative factors that could affect the industry in the medium term include a slow down in the economy, rising inflationary pressures and the weakness of the exchange rate. NAAMSA predicts that the modest new vehicle price increases experienced over the past two years might not be sustainable going forward and the industry can expect modest growth of between 6% and 8% in 2013.

Top 5 selling new vehicles – November 2012


Most popular car brands – November 2012


For the full release from Naamsa, click here