Despite the challenging economic climate in South Africa the sun is still shining on the commercial vehicle market which reported another month of growth in October. 

Year-on-year statistics for October show that sales grew by 5.3% to 2 648 units.  Turing to year-to-date figures, total new commercial vehicle sales are up by 3.3% when compared to the first ten months of 2017, to a total of 22 560 units.

The latest results released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), Associated Motor Holdings (AMH) and Amalgamated Automobile Distributors (AAD) show that during October, sales in the Medium Commercial Vehicle segment increased by 11.6% over the same month in 2017, to 782 units.

Getting the job done

Sales in the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Segment grew by 0.4% to 521 units, while sales in the Extra Heavy Commercial Vehicle segment increased by 5.2% to 1 224 units.  Bus sales were down by 8.3% to 121 units.

“The industry had to contend with a lot of socio-political and macroeconomic instability, but still managed to rally and produce very positive results,” says Gert Swanepoel, managing director of UD Trucks Southern Africa.

“I think this is testament to the drive and passion of the business people that form this industry, to get the job done and not to let external factors determine the trajectory of the sector.”

Growing demand for used trucks

One of the noticeable trends in the commercial vehicle sector is the enormous demand for good quality used trucks.

“Customers are currently spoiled for choice and can pick and choose between various offers that include finance and maintenance contracts.”

“It is of vital importance to select a truck that will not just be able to do the job at hand but has proven durability and efficiency in local operating conditions to add profit to your business,” he concludes.