The National Association of Automotive Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) reported surprisingly strong sales figures in July, as the market again topped 50 000 units.
Toyota South Africa Motors retailed 10 747 units in a total market of 54 067 vehicles, giving it a market share of nearly 20%. The company further exported 9 460 units out of total South African vehicle exports of 27 625 units. In doing so the company reaffirmed its position as the country’s leading vehicle retailer and exporter.
“The market remains surprisingly buoyant and total vehicle sales are already 11.6% ahead of the same period last year,” says Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors.
“One should be cognisant of the fact that comparative 2011 sales figures were influenced by the after-effects of the March 2011 tsunami in Japan” says Hamman. “Despite this the market has been strengthened by high volume purchases by rental companies in preparation for the summer season.”
Vehicle rental companies purchased 6 330 vehicles in July and further high volume purchases are expected in the forthcoming months.
Toyota achieved significant success with several key models. The recently introduced Toyota 86 found 161 new owners in July, while the new Etios remained a popular choice in the entry level market with sales of 1 753 units.
“The market remains a mixture of contradicting signals, notably negative sentiment amongst private buyers and positive expectations amongst vehicle retailers. We remain cautiously optimistic for the rest of the year and expect a 7% increase in overall sales for the year,” says Hamman.
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