S. Africa’s vehicle sales growth continues
South Africa's upward trend in new vehicle sales continued last month. According to data issued by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), new vehicle sales rose 41.1% year on year to 40'477 units in April. NAAMSA adds that this figure should be viewed within the context of depressed April 2004 sales figures due to the Easter holidays falling that month. Passenger cars were the strongest sellers in April, rising 44.6% year on year to 27'090 units. However, April sales were 5.5% lower than the previous month's figure. Despite the lack of light commercial vehicle stock, sales of new light commercial vehicles also rose 34.6% year on year to 11'458 units. On the other hand, due to the strong Rand, vehicle exports fell 3.8% from a year earlier to 23'575 units. NAAMSA indicates that vehicle exports will improve in the second half of the year because of new vehicle export programs.