South Africa Auto Sales in 2019 were disappointing again. Indeed, Total annual sales have been 508.573, down 3.2% from the previous year, the worst score in the last nine years. Suzuki and Mahindra were the fastest brands while almost all the best selling 5 brands were declining.
Economic Environment
South African economy contracted in the third quarter after dodging technical recession in the second quarter. Notably, the downturn was prompted by the utilities sector swinging to contraction as a series of breakdowns in Eskom’s coal power plants triggered the return of rolling blackouts in the quarter. On the expenditure-side, a winding down of inventories amid downbeat demand weighed heavily on economic activity, with muted household spending also taking its toll.
Turning to the fourth quarter, the economy likely remained in the doldrums as the rolling blackouts reached an unprecedented level in December after more than a quarter of the country’s generating capacity broke down.
Market Trend
The automotive industry represents one of the most relevant sector for South Africa were are based several plants producing not only for the domestic market but for the entire South African region and for other places in the World.
In recent years the industry is not in great shape with domestic market suffering for the weak economy which is struggling to grew up since years.
The domestic light vehicles market has broken the growth after the 2013 All-Time record (with 614.898 units registered) and is declining year after year. After four negative years, in the 2018 total sales have been 525.129. In 2019 the expectations for a recovery had been disappointed and the market further declined with final year sales just over 500k units, which has been the worst score in the last 9 years.
Indeed, Total annual sales have been 508.573, down 3.2% from the previous year.
Almost all top 5 brands (Toyota, Ford, Nissan and Hyundai) have reported a year-on-year loss while just few brands are shining this year. Among them, Suzuki (+25.2%) and Mahindra (+25.4%).
Tables with sales figures
In the tables below we report sales for all Brands, top 10 Manufacturers Group.
