The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) has revealed the best-selling passenger and light commercial vehicles (bakkies) this past month (December 2016).
A total of 41,639 vehicles were sold in December, equating to a year-on-year decline of 15.3%. New vehicle sales for the year were also down by 11.4%, ending the year on 547,442 units – the lowest levels seen since 2010.
South Africa’s disappointing automotive year was reflected by poor passenger sales over the course of December with Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo maintaining top spot with 1,835 vehicles sold.
Meanwhile the Toyota Hilux continued to top the Light Commercial Vehicles category, outselling the Ford Ranger by more than 400 units: 3,074 vs. 2,665.
“Overall, 2016 turned out to be another extremely difficult year for the South African automotive industry with domestic new vehicle sales progressively under pressure, particularly at dealer level, despite attractive sales incentives,” said Naamsa.
The association pointed to a slowdown in the domestic economy, increases in interest rates and low consumer confidence as factors behind the decline.
Passenger Vehicles sold in December 2016
Light Commercial Vehicles (Bakkies) sold in December 2016
