During May 2011 a total of 28 830 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales increased by 9.5% when compared to April 2011, and grew by 12.1% when compared to May last year. This brought year-to-date sales of new passenger cars in 2011 to a level 20.3 % above January to May sales in 2010.
Volkswagen Group South Africa was again passenger car leader with 24.4% share of the total passenger market, with 7 052 units sold – more than double that of its nearest competitor. The uniquely South Africa Polo Vivo has been the top selling passenger car brand every month so far this year – and May was no exception. The Vivo comfortably secured the number one selling position, with sales of 2 547 units. Another Volkswagen product, the new Polo, with 1 935 sales, was the second best seller of the month – after the recent addition of the Polo Sedan to the range.
The Audi Brand continued its premium market gains with a total share of 4.5%. Year-to-date Audi has increased its retail volumes by 58%, in comparison with the same period (January to May) last year. The Audi A4 was once again the Brand’s top seller, with sales of 453 units. The Amarok continues to entrench its position in the 1 Ton pickup segment and sold 379 units in May for the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Brand.
Cumulatively, Volkswagen Group South Africa was the number one selling vehicle manufacturer in the country during May, selling a total of 7 711 units.
“We are overjoyed at these results,” said Mike Glendinning, Director of Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa. “That’s if you take into account that the rate of growth in the new car sales cycle continued to slow in May.”
“The new car market in May was also assisted by sales to rental car companies which accounted for about 13% of the market. New car sales through the dealer organisation grew by about 2.9% in May when compared to April,” continued Glendinning.
“The slowing in the rate of growth in the new car sales cycle in April and May has slightly reduced the market outlook for the year, but it’s anticipated that the increase in new car sales will still reach the 15% mark or close to 400 000 units,” he concluded.
STORY BY VW
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