February Car Sales: Up for some and down for others
While Volkswagen Polo Classic is the top selling passenger vehicle, a 0.25% decline in car sales for the month of February 2007 compared to the same month last year is reflected.
February is traditionally known as a difficult month as it is a shorter month and follows very closely on December and January, when buyers spend their income on vacations and other luxuries.
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa reported that the total vehicle sales (commercial & passenger) for February was 5.5% higher than for the same month last year, while passenger vehicles reflected a decline of 81 units. On the other hand, commercial vehicles showed an increase in sales by 12.4% compared to February 2006.
Toyota Corolla/Runx/Verso was the second highest passenger vehicle in demand and ranked itself firmly in second place, after the VW Polo Classic with 3516 units. Among others, the top ten list of best selling cars for February 2007 were the Toyota Yaris, VW Golf, BMW 3 Series and Opel Corsa. Ford also reported impressive numbers as they sold no less than 6 426 units, which include their top selling passenger vehicle, the Ford Fiesta, as well as the affordable commercial vehicle, the Bantam bakkie.
High sales figures were also reflected from medium and heavy trucks with an increase in sales of 16.2% compared to last year.
A reason for the decrease in passenger vehicles could be the fact that new car prices have sky-rocketed and more people would rather buy a commercial vehicle or bakkie through their business – where lower interest rates apply and VAT could be claimed back.
It is the first time in four years that car sales have gone down compared to the same month of the previous year, but according to the new budget of 2007, savings, investments and future economic growth will be supported and the motor industry hopes that this will boost vehicle sales again.
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