FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA’S RESPONSE
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA) has reported that new vehicles sales continue to decline with 50 523 units sold during February, registering a decline of 13.5% over the corresponding month of 2007. Passenger cars continue to be the hardest hit with the 30 578 vehicles sold representing a decrease of 19% over last year. Light commercial vehicle sales were down 13% with 16 716 units sold.
“February is traditionally a difficult month as there are fewer selling days,” explains Jacques Brent, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “However this was further compounded by the negative market sentiment brought about by the high interest rates and rising fuel costs. The year over year decline was also impacted by the fact that the industry was still buoyant in the 1st quarter of 2007 ahead of the e-Natis introduction in April”
Despite the market sentiment having turned negative Ford Motor Company enjoyed a relatively strong performance in February. With 6 047 units sold, sales were up by 9.6% over January 2008 and just 6% down on the corresponding month of 2007.
The Fiesta was once again the top selling Ford passenger car selling 525 units, while the Mazda2 topped the charts for Mazda with 701 units sold. Despite the downward trend the Mazda6 enjoyed a record month selling 200 units. The Ford Bantam remains the brand’s top selling commercial vehicle with 1 693 units sold.
“The high interest rates, record high levels of household debt, rising inflation, volatile exchange rates and increasingly vulnerable international financial markets are likely to continue to impact sales for the foreseeable future. However despite these hurdles we continue to forge ahead. Mazda in particular is performing competitively, showing strong growth in a declining market,” concludes Brent.
TOP PERFORMING NEW PASSENGER VEHICLES February 2008
- Toyota Corolla/RunX/Verso 2 532
- Toyota Yaris 2 451
- VW Polo/Classic 2 276
- Mercedes C-Class 1 764
- VW CitiGolf 1 592
- Opel Corsa 1 074
- BMW 3-series 988
- VW Golf/Jetta A5 915
- Toyota Fortuner 784
- Mazda2 701
TOP PERFORMING NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES February 2008
- Toyota Hilux 2 951
- Opel Corsa Utility 1 863
- Isuzu KB 1 854
- Toyota Quantum 1 707
- Ford Bantam 1 693
- Nissan Hardbody 825
- Ford Ranger 746
- Mitsubishi Colt 470
- Mazda BT-50 405
- Nissan 1400 404
Source: Naamsa
