domestic new-vehicle sales in September, at 47 786 units, were 10.8% higher than in the same month last year, while year-to-date sales, at 391 396 units, were 13.4% up on the figure for the first nine months of 2021.

Passenger car sales showed an improvement of 9.7% in September, while light commercial vehicles were up 14.9%.

Medium and heavy-truck sales increased by 15.3% and 1.8% respectively.

Total new-vehicle sales for September continued to run ahead of the corresponding month last year, says National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) vice chairperson Alex Boavida.

“The numbers were aided by a strong showing from Toyota, which is making immense strides in recovering from f lood damage that knocked out its plant in April.”

Boavida regards September’s numbers as encouraging, considering they were achieved in tough trading conditions, and in the mdist of a fresh round of load-shedding and yet another interest rate hike.

“These [trading conditions] included an ongoing stock supply shortage and a stock mix that is not ideal.

“With factories struggling to keep new-vehicle production on schedule, delivery times are becoming increasingly difficult to predict and, in turn, dealers are finding it difficult to keep clients interested in specific models.”

Boavida adds that household costs continue to increase, owing to the current extensive load-shedding experienced throughout the country.

Energy bills now include fuel for generators, with electricity costs set to rise significantly soon.

Boavida believes that some clients are putting off new-vehicle purchases to buy solar-panel and battery backup systems for their homes and businesses.

“Shipping and logistics remain problematic too, although they are improving monthly,” she notes.

“However, as cargo trade normalises, we are faced with shrinking markets and fears of a potential world recession.

“There are also some limitations on local vehicle transport with a shortage of carriers as exports ramp up.”

Boavida says that there is increased local interest in new-energy vehicles (NEVs) in South Africa – including the growing number of fully electric models that are coming to market.

“Clients are eager to learn more about these vehicles before making purchasing decisions, and while we anticipate a relatively slow transition from internal combustion engines, more and more electric offerings from a variety of brands are entering the market.

“The demand for used vehicles remains strong, and the availability of good used vehicle stock is improving,” adds Boavida.

More good news is a 104.6% improvement in the export of built-up vehicles in September, and a substantial increase (18.9% of new passenger-car sales) in the acquisition of rental and fleet units as the industry gears up for the holiday season.