South African Vehicle Sales July 2012

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The South African vehicle market continues to show signs of growth with a reported 18.34% increase in sales for the month of July 2012 when compared to the same period last year.

Naamsa reports that a total of 54 067 vehicles were sold in the month of July 2012 with a 4.22% increase on the month of June 2012. However, sales MCVs, buses and trucks experienced a dip of 4.9%.

Low interest rates, a competitive trading environment and an improved demand for credit by households continue to drive growth in the South African vehicle market. Naamsa believes that the market will achieve 10% growth for 2012.

Top selling vehicles in South Africa for July 2012 include the ever popular Volkswagen Polo Vivo in first position with 3 449 units sold. The Toyota Hilux takes second place with 2 781 units while the new Volkswagen Polo claims third place with 2 459 units in the bag. Further down the list, the Toyota Etios is in fourth with 1 747 units sold and the Chevrolet Utility in fifth place with 1 747 units sold.

News Source: IOL Motoring

Opel ADAM unveiled

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Opel’s funky urban car known as ADAM will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September this year and will be initially offered in three petrol variants with highly customisable trim options available to sweeten the package.

The trim options are available in three “moods or worlds” which include JAM which is colourful and fashionable, GLAM which is elegant and refined and lastly SLAM which is sporty and energetic. All three trim options are available in a variety of colour and décor combinations to suit personal taste.

In terms of engine power, three petrol engines will be available and these include a 51kW/70hp 1.2-litre unit, 64kW/87hp 1.4-litre unit and a 74kW/100hp 1.4-litre unit. All these variants will make use of a five-speed manual transmission. All the powertrains include Opel’s Ecoflex pack which includes Start/Stop technology.  A turbocharged unit with direct injection and a six-speed manual transmission will be available at a later stage.  

The interior has room for four even though ADAM is only 3.7 meters in length. The infotainment system is able to integrate with a smartphone and displays chosen content on a 7-inch full colour touch screen. The ADAM also comes with Bluetooth and USB connectivity for other devices such as MP3 players, iPods and tablets. Customers have a choice of between 15” and 18” rims.

From the looks of it, the Opel ADAM is set to do well following its launch at the Paris Motor Show but there are no current plans for the ADAM to be introduced into the South African car market. I think the ADAM will do well in South Africa, what do you think?

 

News Source: Opel Europe

Meet the Infiniti FX SUV now in South Africa

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Looking for a new car? This is the new Infiniti FX SUV currently available in South Africa. It’s offered in three models, the FX30d, FX37 and the range topping FX50. Infiniti will seek to get a foot-hold in the South African car market with its impressive range on offer and could very well become a household name for South African car buyers in the near future.

All FX models in the range use a seven-speed automatic gearbox to transfer power to the road. The FX30d diesel variant is powered by a turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 175kW at 3 750rpm that will accomplish 100km/h in 8.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 212km/h. Fuel consumption sits at 9-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 238g/km.

The petrol version FX37 comes fitted with a 3.7-litre V6 engine that kicks out 235kW at 7 000rpm and will do 100km/h in 6.8 while reaching a top speed of 233km/h. fuel consumption for this model is 12.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 291g/km.

The range-topping FX50 will only take 5.8 seconds to reach 100km/h and will press on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. This is achieved with the use of a 5-litre V8 petrol unit that produces 287kW at 6 500rpm and with 500Nm of torque on tap. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 13.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 312g/km.

All the models are fitted with the latest safety technology and offer high quality finishes in a luxurious interior. The pictures kind of speak for themselves. In terms of price, you are looking at paying anywhere from R676 000 for the FX37 GT model to R856 000 for the top of the range FX50 S Premium model. Something to consider?

News Source: Infiniti

Top Selling Cars in South Africa for May 2012

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The South African car market continues to show its strength with sales for May 2012 reflecting a 20.7% increase when compared to May 2011. Total units sold topped 50 228 units and surprisingly May had the highest daily selling rate since June 2007.

Light commercial vehicle sales also experienced a 21.5% increase in May 2012. Naamsa maintains that low interest rates and the improved financial position of consumers would continue to fuel the local market.

Here are the top selling cars for May 2012. However, some brands like Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz have not submitted figures but Mercedes-Benz’s figures have been included in the total sales figure of 50 228.

50 Top Selling Cars – South Africa (May2012)

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 2789

2. Toyota Hilux - 2613

3. Volkswagen Polo - 2343

4. Chevrolet Utility - 1898

5. Nissan NP200 - 1852

6. Ford Ranger - 1593

7. Toyota Etios - 1315

8. Isuzu KB - 1128

9. Ford Figo - 1107

10. Toyota Quantum - 1102

11. Toyota Fortuner - 1021

12. BMW 3 Series - 859

13. Toyota Corolla/Auris - 815

14. Volkswagen Golf - 624

15. Toyota Yaris - 618

16. Ford Fiesta - 598

17. Nissan NP300 - 553

18. BMW 1 Series - 542

19. Renault Sandero - 518

20. Chevrolet Aveo - 512

21. Chevrolet Spark - 495

22. Chevrolet Cruze - 468

23. Volkswagen Jetta - 457

24. Nissan Micra - 418

25. Audi A4 - 365

26. Toyota Avanza - 353

27. Ford Focus - 301

28. Nissan Juke - 298

28. Volkswagen Tiguan - 298

30. Chevrolet Sonic - 296

31. Volkswagen Amarok - 249

32. Nissan Qashqai - 242

33. Mini range - 236

34. BMW 5 Series - 225

35. Chevrolet Captiva - 220

36. Land Rover Discovery - 217

36. Toyota Land Cruiser PU - 217

38. Audi Q3 - 213

39. Audi A3 - 197

40. Honda Jazz - 194

41. BMW X3 - 184

42. Volkswagen Caddy - 183

43. Honda Civic - 168

44. Fiat Punto - 166

45. Toyota Aygo - 165

46. BMW X1 - 164

47. Range Rover Evoque - 160

48. Audi Q5 - 159

49. Dodge Caliber - 157

50. Jeep Grand Cherokee - 155

Mazda CX-5 SUV launches in SA

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Mazda fans will be happy to hear that the all-new CX-5 compact SUV is now available on the South African car market.

Featuring SKYACTIV engine technology, the Mazda CX-5 produces maximum power while keeping fuel consumption to the bare minimum. The CX-5 is offered in three trim choices namely Active, Dynamic and Individual. All trim options are powered by a 2.0 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine. The SKYACTIV system aims to maximise performance and keep internal combustion as efficient as possible while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The model variants offer between 6.8-6.9 litres /100km depending on the model.

The CX-5 is certainly pleasing to the eye with its smooth curves and robust SUV feel. The interior is somewhat sporty and offers loads of space for five adults and a heap of luggage. The CX-5 also comes with an array of safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control, ABS with EBD and EBA, bi-xenon headlights (Individual model only) and hill-start control. Airbags (Front/Side/Curtain) are fitted as standard on all Mazda CX-5 models.

Mazda CX-5 Prices (CO2 Tax included)

Mazda CX-5 2,0 Active MT - R309 000

Mazda CX-5 2,0 Dynamic AT - R336 900

Mazda CX-5 2,0 Individual AT - R389 500

Toyota and Lexus top 4 Million Hybrid Sales

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Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has reported that global cumulative sales of its full hybrid vehicles have topped 4 million up to 30 April 2012. Toyota maintains that environmentally-friendly vehicles can only have a positive impact if they are used widely.

In South Africa, Toyota is the only local manufacturer to wholeheartedly promote the environmental cause by making a full range of hybrid vehicles available across its brands. In Europe and South Africa, vehicles including Toyota’s full hybrid technology include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris and the upcoming Toyota Yaris Hybrid which will make its South African debut in July 2012. The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will be launched in Europe later in the year and there are currently no plans to introduce the model to the South African car market.

Toyota currently sells 18 full hybrid models in 80 countries and regions across the world. Hybrid sales have accounted for 15% of TMC’s global sales.

Since the launch of the Hybrid Coaster EV in 1997, Toyota estimates that its full hybrid vehicles have led to a saving of approximately 26 million tonnes in CO2 emissions and have saved about 9 billion litres of fuel.

Looking for a hybrid car? Contact Toyota South Africa today…

Ford EcoSport coming to SA in 2013

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South African Ford fans who are hoping to get their hands on the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) called the Ford EcoSport only have to wait until 2013 when it reaches the South African car market.

The concept version of the Ford EcoSport was unveiled earlier this year at the New Delhi Auto Show with the production version coming to fruition at the Beijing Motor Show recently. The overall look and feel of the EcoSport is pleasing, taking on a solid yet sleek appearance. Ford’s all-new EcoBoost engine will be humming under the hood and comes in the form of a ample turbocharged 1,0-litre, three cylinder unit that produces 90kW and 170 N.m of torque. CO2 emissions are impressive for a vehicle in this class with a figure of only 140g/km.

The Ford EcoSport will feature various technologies including Ford Sync driver connect system with voice control, keyless entry with remote start-up, dual front and curtain airbags, ABS and ESP.

The Ford EcoSport will be produced in China, Brazil, Thailand and India and will be offered to nearly 100 markets across the globe. Do you want one?

Toyota Hilux and VW Polo Vivo Top Sellers in SA

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The South African car market seems to be gaining strength with April’s figures indicating a 10.5% year-on-year rise. Naamsa reckons car sales rose to 42 617 units compared to 38 583 sales recorded in April 2011. This figure is less than the 56 152 units sold in March 2012.

Although export figures have dropped by 11% due to economic woes overseas, the local South African car market remains positive. Naamsa believes that the overall improvement can be attributed to more consumers being able to afford vehicles coupled with reasonably low interest rates.

The top three sellers for the month of April are in first place, the Toyota Hilux with a total sales figure 2741. In close second, with a sales figure of 2256 is the Volkswagen VW Polo Vivo which will surely continue to rack the sales going forward. In third place, with 1766 sales in April, is the Volkswagen Polo. Well done to Volkswagen. What’s also interesting is that Kia is holding its sales figures close to its chest and one can only wonder how well they are doing, especially with the addition of the new Kia Rio sedan that is bound to sell like hot cakes. Time will tell, the truth will be revealed… 

  

Kia Rio looks to dominate in South Africa

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Korean automakers Kia and Hyundai have enjoyed remarkable success in South Africa and seem to be growing in strength with every passing day. Earlier this year, the Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS took the throne as South Africa’s Car of the Year. In November 2011, Kia unleashed its Rio hatch which went on to become both a global and local top seller. This week Kia launched its Rio sedan which is set to dominate, and rightfully so.  

As it stands, VW Polo Vivo is South Africa’s top selling passenger car, but with the new Kia Rio sedan in the ring, anything can happen. The new Kia Rio sedan expresses the look of a coupe with its elegant styling and is longer, wider and lower than its outgoing model, a sight to behold. Engine offerings include a 1.2 litre, 65kW petrol engine that’s hooked up to a five-speed manual transmission gearbox. The 1.4 litre, 79kW petrol engine comes with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatics.

Consumers will be happy to hear that the Kia Rio sedan offers terrific value for money, particularly in terms of included features. The 1.2 model comes with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, electric windows, central locking, two airbags, controls on the steering wheel and air conditioning. The 1.4 adds to the features list with automatic folding mirrors, fog lights, leather steering wheel and a more appealing instrument cluster.

The 1.4 TEC model includes leather seats, 17” alloys, a cooled glove box, LED headlight trims, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, four extra airbags, rear park assist and a UV protection windscreen. If there’s one thing Kia has done right, it’s the marriage between value for money and luxury offerings, all culminating into a pretty fine package that’s impossible to ignore. To top it off, Kia is offering a five-year 100 000km warranty. Now for the best part, check out these fantastic prices for the new Kia Rio Sedan.

Rio Sedan 1.2 - R142 000

Rio Sedan 1.4 - R160 000

Rio Sedan 1.4 A/T - R170 000

Rio Sedan 1.4 TEC - R174 000

Rio Sedan 1.4 A/T TEC - R184 000

 

Now that's value for money!!!

Video: Kia Optima Video Review

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Check out this video review of the new Kia Optima now available in South Africa. The new Kia Optima is packed with features and offers luxury and comfort at an affordable price. This sport sedan is geared up to do well in the South African car market and will be turning heads all across South Africa.

New Hyundai Santa Fe coming to SA

Tweet The all new Hyundai Santa Fe was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show and will reach the South African market by the end of 2012. It’s unclear at this stage whether South Africans will have the choice between the five-seater SWB Santa Fe Sport or the seven-seater LWB Santa Fe.

The Sport model is offered with two engine options, a 2.4 GDI (142kW) engine and 2.0 GDI turbocharged (197kW) engine. The seven-seater Santa Fe will be powered by a 3.3 litre V6 petrol engine. All engines will be coupled with  six speed automatic transmission with manual shift functionality.

The new Santa Fe also comes with the option of an all-wheel drive system with TVCC technology (torque vectoring and torque braking), transferring torque to any given wheel at any time. This system is thought to improve lateral stability and drastically limits both over and under steering.

The seven-seater Santa Fe exhibits loads of space with an extra row of seating that can fold down for extra boot space or legroom. The new lighter Santa Fe will also be more economical shedding a few pounds on the previous model. The interior is stylish with classy finishes, a major improvement on the previous model. Standard features will include a panoramic glass sunroof, seven airbags and heated seating for those cold winter drives. There’s much to look forward to in the new Santa Fe…

Do you like what you see?