Nissan Sales Summary For September 2013

Nissan’s passenger car range helped maintain the brands momentum through a challenging month. The brand reported a total of 4129 sales, although sales of locally-produced light commercial vehicles severely undermined by industrial action.

Unfortunately strongest sales in September were not felt by the LCV contenders, as both the NP200 half-tonner and NP300 one-tonner ranges were simply absent from showroom floors. Production losses amounted to about 1600 units, due to the nation-wide strike which started in August and led to stoppages at the Rosslyn plant compounded by similar action at component suppliers.

According to Nissan, the newly released Almera and Sentra sedans greatly highlighted the sales impact in the B and C segments respectively, while Micra put in another strong performance in the supermini market, with sales of 495 sales.

“Under the circumstances, the month turned out better than expected and we had half a year of steady growth in our passenger car sales – this was our best performance since February.  Almera and Sentra helped us to a nine percent market share, and in fact we only dropped 119 units compared to August, says Nissan South Africa’s Sales, Marketing and After sales Director Johan Kleynhans.

Here is a breakdown of the Nissan sales summary for September 2013 which includes key sales figures, top 5 model sales and the most popular used cars.

Nissan new car sales summary for September 2013

  • Total new car sales: 4129 units
  • Total market share: 7.6%
  • Total passenger vehicle sales: 2198 units
  • Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 1931 units

Top 5 Nissan new passenger car sales for September 2013 (compared to August 2013)

  1. Nissan NP300 Hardbody – 836 units (883)
  2. Nissan NP200 – 726 units (1089)
  3. Nissan Micra – 495 units (391)
  4. Nissan Almera – 460 units (439)
  5. Nissan Juke – 356 units (323)

Top 5 used Nissan cars in South Africa for September 2013 (in terms of views on cars.co.za)

  1. Nissan Hardbody
  2. Nissan Navara
  3. Nissan Tiida
  4. Nissan X-Trail
  5. Nissan NP200

Nissan in the news

New Nissan Almera Review

2014 Nissan X-trail Revealed

2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible Official Photos Released

Photos of the 2014 BMW 4 series convertible have sneakily surfaced onto the web. They’re claimed to be sourced from BMW’s accessories brochure, hence the bike rack feature.

BMW is yet to release full technical details of the model, however it’s quite obvious from the photos and previous spy shots that the larger and slightly lighter 4-Series Convertible will feature different headlights, a sportier front fascia and ventilated front fenders. The design mirrors the recently introduced 4-Series Coupe with the main obvious difference being the retractable metal roof.

The model lineup and engine choices will also supposedly be identical to that of the 3-Series Convertible. Meaning there will be a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo unit with about 180kW and 350Nm, as well as a more powerful 3.0-liter, inline-six TwinPower Turbo engine delivering around 225kW and 400Nm of torque.

The 2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible will celebrate its debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible gallery

Perfomance Driven Hyundai Legato Concept Unveiled

In partnership with ARK Performance, Hyundai has developed a new Legato Concept based on the Genesis Coupe but features more power and conveys the seamless integration of exotic design.

Dynamic ARK Perfomance Styling

The Legato Concept retains the integrity of the original Genesis Coupe design and features a dynamic body kit that includes modified bumpers, revised side skirts and a rear deck lid spoiler. A racing silver exterior color maximizes the surface visibility of the concept’s nuanced design. The car also has an ARK DT-P coil-over suspension and lightweight alloy wheels coupled with Nitto NT05 tyres that ensure outstanding dynamic grip.

“The ARK Legato Concept demonstrates the compelling appeal and versatility of the original Genesis Coupe production concept,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “ARK Performance has taken this original concept and expanded its appeal to the most demanding premium coupe owners at a whole new level.”

The interior features an AiM Sports Strada GT steering wheel, Takata Drift Pro LE seats, a digital instrument cluster and a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system.

Modified engine

Power will come from a production-based 3.8-liter Lambda V6 engine stroked out to 4.0-liters with much of the internal components having been replaced by new pistons, a BC 4340 crankshaft and upgraded connecting rods. The engine has also a lightweight pulley kit, new headers and an ARK air intake. All these modifications will enable the engine to produce 298kW of power and 575Nm of torque.

The performance luxury coupe concept will be showcased at the 2013 SEMA show in Las Vegas, November 5-8.

Hyundai Legato Concept gallery

Renault Duster Detour Concept To Be Unveiled In SA

Renault has announced its plans to unveil the Duster Detour Concept next week, during the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Duster Detour Concept – a little Mad Max with a touch of the Terminator

The model will be based on the recently facelifted Duster off-roader which was developed by Renault Design Central Europe in collaboration with a Johannesburg-based design studio. The Duster Detour Concept is also said to be covered in a two-tone pearl yellow and matte grey paint, and is the result of mixing “a little Mad Max with a touch of the Terminator” and some Dakar influences.

Very little is known about the Detour Concept, but from this teaser photo, it looks likes the fog lights have been moved right under the front grille, and there’s LED technology for the taillights and five-spoke black alloy wheels with orange accents and a revised cabin.

Additional details on the Renault Duster Detour Concept are limited for now, but will be announced during the 2013 Johannesburg Motor Show, on the 16th of October.

South African New Car Sales Summary For September 2013

The strike action during September severely damaged South Africa’s status as a reliable supplier to international export markets and could well negatively affect future export contracts being awarded to South African automotive manufacturers.

However, despite labour disputes, low GDP growth and exchange rate volatility suppressing the efforts to increase vehicle sales, there were some positive signals.

After four years of growth in the domestic market, aggregate sales continued to reflect modest growth on a year to date basis which showed an improvement of 5.0% compared to the corresponding nine months of 2012.

In addition, sales of vehicles in the medium and heavy truck segments of the Industry – largely unaffected by strike action recorded an increase of 108 units or 13.9% in the case of medium commercial vehicles, and an increase of 46 units or 3.0% in the case of heavy trucks and buses compared to the corresponding month last year.

Overall, out of the total reported Industry sales of 54 281 vehicles, 42 408 units or 78.1% represented dealer sales, 15.3% represented sales to the vehicle rental Industry, 3.6% to Industry corporate fleets and 3.0% to government.

Going forward, it is going to be extremely difficult, for manufacturers to make up for all of the loss in vehicle and component output. However, they are expected to put into place action plans to make up for some of the lost production and to enable the Industry to supply the needs of customers in highly competitive international markets.

Bellow is a South African new car sales summary for September 2013, which includes stats on the top 5 Passenger and Light Commercial Vehicles, as well as export figures.

South African new car sales summary for September 2013

  • Total new vehicle sales: Total Industry sales of 54 281 units for September 2013 reflected a decline of 1.5% or 812 vehicles from the 55 093 units sold in September last year.
  • Total export sales: Due to the prolonged automotive strike action, new vehicle exports during September 2013 registered a substantial decline of 20 024 units or a fall of 75.1% compared to the 26 646 vehicles exported in September last year.
  • A total of 39 792 new cars were sold in September 2013, which represented a marginal improvement of 303 units or small gain of 0.8% compared to the 39 489 new cars sold in September last year.
  • Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) including bakkies, and mini busses buses at 12 014 units during September 2013 reflected a decline of 1269 units or -9.6% compared to the 13 283 light commercial vehicles sold during the corresponding month last year.

 

South Africa’s best-selling car brands for September 2013

Car Brand Volume RSA Volume Export
Toyota 9751 1913
Volkswagen Group SA 8961 1582
Ford Motor Company 6152 938
GMSA 5096 204
Nissan 4129 794

 Top 5 selling new cars

Model Volume RSA Volume Export
Toyota Hilux 2739 1844
Volkswagen Polo 2634 1582
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 2435 0
Toyota Etios 2358 0
Ford Figo 1690 0

 

Top 5 Selling Passenger Vehicles

Model Volume RSA Volume Export
Volkswagen Polo 2634 1582
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 2435 0
Toyota Etios 2358 0
Ford Figo 1690 0
Toyota Corolla/Auris 1005 7

 

Top 5 Selling Light Commercial Vehicles

Model Volume RSA Volume Export
Toyota Hilux 2739 1844
Ford Ranger 1435 934
Chevrolet Utility 1329 1
Isuzu KB 1049 126
Nissan NP300 Hardbody 836 243

 

Kia Cerato Hatchback – Specs And Prices For SA

Kia has launched yet another C-segment competitor following the launch of the Cerato Sedan in May this year.

The all-new Cerato Hatchback will be offered in 3 different equipment levels across two engines – the 1.6 EX, 2.0 EX and 2.0 SX featuring increased cabin space and dynamic styling.

European design language

The new generation of the Cerato is longer, lower and wider than the current car and has a sleeker profile, as well as an increased wheelbase that makes for a spacious cabin.

There isn’t much difference between the two versions, except the South Korean company mentions that the new model boasts an aggressive front fascia with larger bumper and grille openings, black gloss grille inserts, large front brakes, alloy sport pedals as well as front and rear seats with carbon fibre-style accents.

Inside, the 5-door hatch features easy-to-read white-on-black gauges nestled deeply into the instrument cluster, chrome accents around the HVAC controls and carbon fibre-like textures on the dash and seats. There is also a sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, and a new large 4.3-inch TFT LCD screen.

New levels of specification

Powertrains and transmissions are the same as in the sedan model as are the safety features.

The 1.6 EX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic light control, Bluetooth, cruise control, electric windows and side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, a radio with MP3, iPod and USB compatibility, rear air-vents, six speakers and steering wheel mounted controls.

The 2.0 EX trim further features a Flexsteer system, leather seats and an optional sunroof, while the 2.0 SX comes with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear park distance control, LED tail-lights, a smart welcome home system, a smart key with a stop/start button, a rear view camera and Xenon headlamps.

Kia Cerato Hatchback – Price

Kia Cerato hatchback 1.6 EX – R229 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 1.6 EX AT – R239 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 2.0 EX – R259 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 2.0 EX AT – R269 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 2.0 SX – R289 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 2.0 SX AT – R299 995

The Cerato range comes standard with a 5-year /150 000km warranty, 5-year/90 000km service plan and a 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance plan.

Kia Cerato Video

Kia Cerato Hatchback gallery

The Cars.co.za September Motoring Report Infographic

The Cars.co.za September infographic has launched and features all the important information you need in the South African motor industry.

This months infographic features the release of the highly anticipated Renault Duster, which we had the pleasure of recently reviewing. Read our Renault Duster review right here.
Also included in the report are the following features:

  • Top 5 motoring brands
  • Results of our poll
  • New car market share
  • Most popular new cars in South Africa
  • Most popular used cars – based on views on Cars.co.za

 

*The new car statistics included in the infographic were sourced from the Naamsa new car sales report.
**The used car statistics used in the infographic are sourced directly from Cars.co.za

View last month’s report: August 2013 Motoring Report Infographic

Click the image to open full size in a new window

south african motoring industry infographic

GWM H6 SUV – Official Details Revealed for South Africa

GWM will showcase its first ever unibody, front-wheel drive SUV, the H6, at the Johannesburg International Motor Show next week.

The sporty and luxurious SUV first appeared in South Africa at the Durban Motor Show last year and is China’s best-selling SUV so far this year. Soon to be available for purchase in South Africa, the SUV will be offered with two engine options.

Power and economy

The GWM H6 engine line-up will consist of two powerplants, the first being the company’s proven 2.0-litre TCI turbodiesel engine that produces 105kW at 4000 rpm and 310Nm of torque between 1800 rpm and 2800 rpm. Following soon after will be a 1.5-litre turbopetrol that delivers the same power (105kW) but with 210Nm of torque.

Both engines will be connected to a six-speed manual transmission transmitting power to the front wheels, and delivering a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.7-litres/100 km (for the turbodiesel).

Premium ‘Elite’ specification

On the styling front, the GWM H6 is distinguished by smooth contours and chiselled flanks, including 17-inch alloy wheels, full colour-coding with chrome detailing and tinted windows for the rear doors and tailgate. The all-new unibody platform makes for excellent rigidity and low levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), while the SUVs underpinnings have been tuned to deliver maximum occupant comfort. Suspension is via MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear.

Interior features include an adjustable leather trimmed steering wheel, facia-mounted gearlever, black and silver satin finishes, full-colour touch screen system with radio/CD/DVD/MP3 playback, Bluetooth integration, rear-mounted camera and an audible warning system. Rear seats with reclining backrest are split 60:40 and can tumble forward to provide more boot space, while the height-adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger seat both feature fold-out armrests.

Other standard features include climate control, power steering, electric windows all-round, electric mirror adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights with manual levelling.

Safety features

Safety comes from dual front SRS airbags, disc brakes all-round, ABS with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BAS (brake assist), height-adjustable seatbelts with load limiters and pre-tensioners, Isofix child seat mounts, as well as front and rear fog lights and rear park sensors (with camera view).

Want to see the GWM H6 for yourself at the Johannesburg International Motorshow? You can win tickets to the show by visiting the GWM website (www.gwm.co.za).

GWM H6 gellery

Volkswagen Sales Summary for September 2013

During the month of September Volkswagen maintained its leadership position in the passenger car market with total sales of 8961. Yet again the Polo (2634 units) and Polo Vivo (2435 units) were respectively the top two selling models in total passenger car market.

Audi achieved another record month with the delivery of 1689 units. The A4 Sedan was the top selling model with 577 units. Volkswagen further sold 575 units in the light and medium commercial segments, the Amarok single and double cab models being the best sellers with 389 units.

Here is a breakdown of Volkswagen sales summary for September 2013 including top 5 model sales and the top 5 used cars.

Volkswagen new car sales summary for September 2013

  • Total new car sales: 8961 units
  • Total market share: 16.5%
  • Total passenger vehicle sales: 8321 units
  • Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 575 units

Top 5 Volkswagen new passenger car sales for September 2013 (compared to August 2013)

  1. VW Polo – 2634 units (2625)
  2. VW Polo Vivo – 2435 units (2324)
  3. Audi A4 – 577 units (628)
  4. VW Golf 7 – 525 units (587)
  5. VW Amarok – 389 units (365)

Top 5 used Volkswagen cars in South Africa for September 2013

  1. Volkswagen Polo
  2. Volkswagen Golf
  3. Volkswagen Citi
  4. Volkswagen Polo Vivo
  5. Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen in the news

Volkswagen Working On Next VR6 Engine

Volkswagen To Abandon Naturally Aspirated Engines

Ford Sales Summary For September 2013

Ford sales continued to increase during September, and were driven by strong performances across the model range. While the country’s new vehicle market declined by 1.5 %, an all-time record for the brand was driven by demand of the turbocharged EcoBoost products.

The recently introduced Ford EcoSport continued to lead its segment for the second month running, more than doubling sales of its closest rival with 827 sales. Figo sales were helped by seasonal rental deals to boost sales to 1690 units, the best Figo sales month since August 2011.

“Surrounding economic conditions continue to impact the sales environment and against which, the automotive industry continues to perform. We can still expect 2013 to be a successful year for industry sales, which will be aided by a return to some labour stability,” says FMCSA’s General Manager, Rob Crouse.

Here is a breakdown of Ford sales summary for September 2013, including the top 5 model sales and top 5 used cars.

Ford new car sales summary for September 2013

  • Total new car sales: 6152 units
  • Total market share: 11.3%
  • Total passenger vehicle sales: 4411 units
  • Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 1741 units

Top 5 Ford new passenger car sales for September 2013 (compared to August 2013)

  1. Ford Ranger – 1435 units (1695)
  2. Ford Figo – 1690 units (1200)
  3. Ford Fiesta – 836 units (824)
  4. Ford EcoSport – 827 units (522)
  5. Ford Focus – 350 units (448)

Top 5 used Ford cars in South Africa for for September 2013

  1. Ford Focus
  2. Ford Fiesta
  3. Ford Ranger
  4. Ford Bantam
  5. Ford Figo

Ford in the news

Dramatic Ford Evos Concept Coming to South Africa