GMSA April sales up by more than 40%

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) had an excellent month in April with sales of 5 147 vehicles, placing the company a firm third in overall sales volumes, 43,2% up on the same month in 2010.

This performance delivered a market share of 13,3% in April, a National Association of Automobile Manufacturers in South Africa (NAAMSA) share gain of 2.4% versus the same period in the prior year. The strength of the Chevrolet brand and the range of exciting products launched into this brand have been instrumental in driving this performance up, GMSA says in a press release.

“During April the Chevrolet Aveo recorded sales of 965 units to rank fourth in passenger vehicle sales while the Cruze came in at number six with 765 units. The popular Hot New Spark continued its strong performance in the entry-level segment,” said Malcolm Gauld, GMSA sales and marketing vice president.

“In the light commercial market the Chevrolet Corsa Utility continued its leadership of the sub-one ton segment, now in its sixth year as the most popular vehicle in segment, with 1 259 sales. This performance resulted in the Corsa Utility being ranked fourth overall in the total market for the month. The Isuzu KB had a strong showing as number two in the LCV market with 982 deliveries for the month. GMSA’s share of the total LCV market was 22,1% for the month.”

“The total market for the industry for the month was 38 566 units, 8% up on the same month last year. Passenger vehicles accounted for 26 347 (up 11,7%) of those sales while light commercial sales dipped by 2,5% to 10 294 units. Medium, heavy, and extra heavy vehicle sales were all up on April 2010 with 565, 395, and 889 deliveries made respectively. Buses accounted for the remaining 76 units.

“The number and concentration of public holidays resulted in the number of selling days being reduced to18 during April,” said Gauld. “This is reflected in a market that was a little subdued compared to the performance during the first quarter but delivered the 16th consecutive month of year-on-year growth.

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“The increase in sales of 8% over April 2010 should be taken in the context of the short working month and the impact of some stock shortages that are becoming apparent in the wake of the Japanese disaster. Year-on-year the market remains healthy running 19% ahead of 2010 and we are confident that vehicle sales will continue to increase in 2011 with the market capable of achieving double digit growth for the year,” Gauld added.