South African new vehicle sales showed encouraging year-on-year improvements in July 2017, and Ford was once again a key player in contributing to domestic volumes.
Having sold a total of 5 561 vehicles locally, Ford claimed an 11.9% share of total industry sales for the month which ended on 46 719 units. The Silverton-based company currently holds 12.4% market share year-to-date.
The Ford Ranger continues to be one of South Africa’s top-selling vehicles overall and in the crucial light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector, recording 2 300 sales in July. Year-on-year, Ranger sales have increased by 4.4% thus far in 2017 compared to 2016.
Notably, the locally assembled Ranger also achieved its second-best export volumes to date and its best figure for this year. A total of 6 452 vehicles were shipped to markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This made it the top light commercial vehicle (LCV) export in July, and the second-highest export model overall as demand continues to grow from international markets.
July 2017 was also a strong month for two of Ford’s key compact offerings. The segment-defining EcoSport notched up 851 sales, while the Fiesta ended on 998 units. Interest in Ford’s muscular Mustang continues unabated, with a further 62 customers joining this exclusive club last month.
“There was definitely a ray of sunshine in the new vehicle market during July 2017 with the overall industry sales improving by 4% compared to July last year. However, based in the current economic and political climate, and the lack of business and consumer confidence, we still expect the industry to remain relatively flat for the balance of the year,” said Neale Hill, Director of Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region.
“Affordability and overall value for money are becoming ever-more important considerations for consumers and fleet customers alike,” Hill added. “The challenge for manufacturers is to offer competitive pricing and total cost of ownership, while also meeting the demand for even greater levels of quality, technology, refinement, efficiency and safety.
“We believe that our current model range ticks all of these boxes, and are virtues appreciated by individual customers and business alike, backed up by exceptional service from our national dealer network.”
