..:: AUTO REPORT AFRICA ::..
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Continuing a trend of positive sales momentum throughout 2015, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) said on Thursday that it registered yet another month of strong sales in May 2016 with 5 732 vehicles sold, 4.7% more than the preceding month.
Year-to-date, Ford’s share climbed to 15.2% for this year, a full percentage point up on the first five months of 2015, the company said in a statement issued in Pretoria, adding that with an overall share of 14.8% for May, Ford also earned its fourth month of the year as the second best-selling brand.
This was driven by sustained strong demand for the Ford Ranger, which topped out at 2 797 units in May, some 16% (or 384 units) higher than April. The Ranger achieved the notable position of second best-selling vehicle overall, as well as in the light commercial vehicle sector.
At the same time, the ever-popular, segment-leading Ford EcoSport secured its best sales of the year, retailing 1 169 units – 24% up on the preceding month.
Deliveries of the Mustang totaled 95 cars for the month as another shipment arrived on dealer floors from the US, and departed just as quickly to eager customers around the country.
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), May 2016 aggregate new vehicle sales at 42 907 units had registered a decline of 4 925 vehicles or a fall of 10.3% compared to the 47 832 vehicles sold in May last year. On a year to date basis new vehicle sales reflected a decline of 9.8% compared to the corresponding five months last year.
NAAMSA indicated that the new car market had continued to experience pressure during May, 2016 and at 27 143 units registered a decline of 4 018 cars or a fall of 12.9% compared to the 31 161 new cars sold in May 2015.
Domestic sales of industry new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini buses at 13 446 units reflected a decline of 753 units or a fall of 5.3% compared to the 14 199 light commercial vehicles sold in May last year.
“Although the new vehicle market remains weak, we are delighted that Ford continues to grow its share and record positive sales momentum overall, and with key models such as the Ranger and EcoSport,” Neale Hill, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa Director of Marketing, Sales and Service, was quoted as saying.
“The industry is likely to remain under pressure for the remainder of the year due to the weak overall economy, anticipated double-digit price increases for new vehicles and potential interest rate hikes. The superb work and strength of our dealer partners, combined with our strongest model line-up in Ford’s history, enables us to be more competitive than ever.”
