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New vehicle sales in January continued the positive momentum of 2012.
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa says aggregate new car sales improved by 14.1 percent year on year.
Naamsa says all major segments recorded double digit year on year growth.
New passenger car sales improved by 12.3%, light commercials 20%, medium commercials 10.6% and heavy trucks by 30%.
Naamsa says 2013 January export sales gained nearly 50% year on year.
"The new car market continued to demonstrate strength in January, 2013 and at 39 738 units, including Mercedes-Benz sales, reflected an improvement of 4 348 units or 12.3% compared to the 35 390 new cars sold in January last year," Naamsa said.
"Continued strong demand by the car rental Industry, which accounted for 22.5% of total new car sales during the month, had supported the market during January, 2013. Recent exchange rate weakness would have contributed to pre-emptive buying by consumers to avoid higher expected new vehicle prices."
