Nissan ends sales-quarter as fourth largest vehicle brand in SA
Nissan South Africa is celebrating the end of a very successful quarter, which saw it entrench its position as South Africa’s fourth largest vehicle manufacturer and which welcomed back the Navara-nameplate to the monthly sales statistics.
A total of 4 339 Nissan, Datsun and Infiniti branded vehicles were sold in March, bringing the total tally 12 984 vehicles for the quarter. For March, this equates to a market share of 8,9% of the total vehicle market.
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According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), vehicle sales increased by 2.1% compared to the same month in 2016 and by 1.9% for the year to date. Total vehicle sales were recorded at 48 534 units for the month.
“The slight increase in overall vehicle sales is heartening and in line with our expectation for the year. One will, however, keep a watchful eye on the economic impact of recent political announcements, and adjust our expectations for the vehicle market accordingly,” said Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan Group of Africa.
For Nissan, March was a highlight for its pick-up division. The NP200 continued its successful sales run with 1 294 units sold in March, making it the best-selling sub-one-tonne pick-up in South Africa and the third best-selling pickup overall. It was joined on the roster by the NP300 Hardbody, which sold 1 118 units in March and the all-new Navara, which sold 304 units since its launch during March.
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“Nissan South Africa has firmly established itself as a pick-up producer and exporter and we are bullish on the prospects for this market both in South Africa and the rest of Africa,” said Whitfield.
“We are working hard to prepare the Rosslyn production facility for the eventual local production of the Navara and look forward to expanding the range in the South African market.”
Nissan’s passenger vehicle division also experienced a successful sales month. The X-Trail emerged as its best-selling passenger car with sales of 478, while the Go and Go+ from Nissan’s sister brand Datsun recorded 421 units sold in March.
Source: MotorPress