Strong sales of commercial vehicles in July 2023 ensured that total new vehicle sales in South Africa continue to remain positive in 2023, according to the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA).
Brandon Cohen, the recently appointed National Chairperson of NADA, says the fact that total vehicle sales are still showing growth is good news for the local motor industry and the economy in general “but what makes this performance in July special is that strong demand in most segments of the commercial vehicle market is the reason for the growth”.
“This indicates growing confidence in the economy by the business world, as most commercial vehicles are bought by businesses,” he says.
Cohen says sales of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew year-on-year by 32.6% last month to 12 666 units, and although medium commercial sales were down 11.6%, the 31.6% increase in heavy truck and bus sales compared to July 2022 more than made up for this decrease.
Year-to-date total sales of 309 359 units represent growth of 4.4% compared to sales registered for the first seven months of last year. However, Cohen says sales through the retail dealer channel, which accounted for 81.8% of the total volume, “was rather disappointing”.
But Cohen says the vehicle rental industry seems to be building confidence in the future and accounted for 14.1% of the total sales volume in July 2023.
“Admittedly, there is a buy down trend with many consumers opting for smaller and less expensive models, which are also less of a drain on the monthly household budget.
“Other factors contributing to the positive sales performance are better stock availability and Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEMs), distributors’ and importers’ support for trade-ins and new vehicle incentives.
“What is concerning is that there are lots of activity on digital platforms and websites, but this is not translating into sales in the passenger space.
“This is likely owing to the financial constraints consumers are facing.
“But all in all, the sales figures for July were better than expected, thanks to the commercial and LCV buyers in the market, along with the car rental industry,” he says.
Mitsubishi Motors has revived the Pajero name with the launch of the fifth generation Pajero Cross Country. The new model does not simply replace the previous Pajero that disappeared from the market in 2021. Its relationship with the Pajero Sport is equally important, particularly for markets such as South Africa.
Range Rover, long regarded as the original luxury SUV, has introduced its first electric model. The vehicle is built at the Solihull plant in the UK, where Range Rover production has taken place since 1970.
Audi South Africa has introduced the new Q5 range, comprising the third-generation Q5 SUV, second-generation Q5 Sportback, and the performance-focused SQ5 SUV and SQ5 Sportback. The range is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion and brings a new generation of petrol and diesel engines to the nameplate.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The Toyota Starlet has improved from zero to a four-star rating for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP's latest #SaferCarsForAfrica crash test results. This follows a safety upgrade to make six airbags a standard fit.
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has released a new corporate manifesto that sets out its commitment to the country, its customers and its dealer network, alongside a renewed push to champion industrialisation as central to South Africa's future.
South Africa's new vehicle market sustained strong momentum in August 2026, with aggregate sales increasing by 11,4% year-on-year to 57 898 units, says the Automotive Business Councill | naamsa.
