·      GMSA achieves 11,3% market share in November

·      New Chevrolet Trailblazer and Cruze Hatch make their mark

·      Cruze features in top ten passenger rankings

·      Chevrolet Utility continues to lead sub-1ton sector with 1667 sales

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) recorded sales of 5 997 vehicles in November for a share of 11,3% of the total vehicle market of 53 134 units for the month. This compares to the 49 498 total sales for the same month last year.

“New vehicle trading conditions were softer than those experienced for the greater part of the year with sales up by 7,3% on November last year compared to the double digit gains experienced for the greater part of the year to date,” says Malcolm Gauld, GMSA’s Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “As has been the trend through the year, strength in the passenger vehicle sector underpinned a soft light commercial vehicle sector. Year-to-date the vehicle market is now 9,8% up on last year.

“Passenger vehicle sales were 10,9% up compared to November 2011 while the light commercial sector showed a decrease of 1,3% for the same period. The dealer channel accounted for 79% of sales, indicative of continued demand from private buyers. Private buyer attention remains focused on the lower end of the market for small and medium cars. The light commercial sector continues to be challenged by a suppressed level of confidence in the business sector, particularly amongst small and medium sized operators.

“The Chevrolet brand continues to strengthen its position in challenging market conditions. Late November saw the arrival of the all-new Trailblazer on dealer floors with high demand for the new model from SUV enthusiasts. We delivered 367 units as the supply chain has just started to fill up! The addition of the Cruze Hatch broadened the appeal of our mid-size offering with the Cruze again featuring in the top ten sellers’ list.

“The ever popular Chevrolet Utility remains number one in the sub-one ton segment and claimed the number two overall sales spot in the total light commercial vehicle market. The contribution of this model and the Isuzu KB secured a 20,8% share of light commercial vehicle sales for GMSA.

“Our 2012 forecast of 620 000 new vehicle sales for the year looks like being exceeded to achieve year-on-year growth of 10%. Looking ahead into 2013 we would anticipate a lower level of growth with some reservation associated with pressure on imported costs and disposable income.”