SA's new vehicle sales finally pick up after 8-month decline

South Africa's new vehicle sales have finally picked up after declining for eight consecutive months.

The naamsa figures for April 2024 show an increase of 2.2% on the number of new vehicles sold last year in April.

38,172 units were sold - 814 more than the 37,358 sold in April 2023.

"We've increased by just 2.2%, but it IS progress and I think the car industry in South Africa is breathing a big sigh of relief."

"Coincidentally, we didn't have loadshedding for a month - I think that does help."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

Toyota, not unexpectedly, was in top position with 8 541 units sold locally.

What was a surprise, Ferguson says, was Suzuki beating Volkswagen to second spot.

"Suzuki only beat Volkswagen by about 140 units, but they still beat the always second-placed VW SA."

"It's the Suzuki Swift, selling up a storm... I think the Swift is becoming almost the favourite budget hatch. The Polo Vivo is still beating it, but not by much."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

While local new vehicle sales showed a welcome increase, export sales recorded a decline of 7,355 units, or 23,9%.