The latest figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) and Associated Motor Holdings (AMH) at the end of September, show the local truck market has grown by 9.91% on a year-to-date basis, totalling 22 607 units.

Jacque Carelse, MD of UD Trucks Southern Africa, says, “Breaking down the performance of the new truck market even further, September YTD year-on-year sales in the Medium Commercial Vehicle segment increased by 13.10% to 8549 units, while sales in the Heavy Commercial Vehicle segment grew by 8.00% units to 3943 units.  The Extra Heavy Commercial Vehicle segment increased sales by 9.80% to 9706 units, while Bus sales were 8.61% down to 785 units.”

Rory Schulz, UD Trucks’ general manager of corporate planning and marketing, adds, “If the current growth continues, the South African truck market should end the year at around 29 000 units.”

“However, we believe the first signs of a correction are becoming evident. On a month-to-month basis, September sales were 13.51% down on August 2013’s figures, to 2 426 units, and the year-to-date growth rate during this time came down from 10.3% to 9.1%.

“Although we believe it is also due to the cyclical nature of the industry, we anticipate that the impact of the industry-wide industrial action could also start affecting the market during the next couple of months.”

If this happens, Schulz states that UD Trucks believes that despite the industry’s creditable performance so far this year, a final figure of around 28 000 units is more likely.