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New vehicle sales ended 2009 on a relatively weak note, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (Naamsa) said on Friday.
"December monthly sales are normally the lowest in any calendar year," Naamsa added in a statement.
It said that aggregate new vehicle sales during December 2009 stood at 30 478 vehicles - a decline of 2 347 vehicles or 7.2%. This is compared to the total new vehicle sales of 32 825 units in December 2008.
On a market segment basis, vehicle sales during December 2009 (excluding the sales of light commercials, buses and Amalgamated Motor Holdings sales) registered sharp declines in every segment compared to December 2008.
Turning to 2009 as a whole, Naamsa said new vehicle sales had declined sharply in every sector.
Industry aggregate sales had declined by 138,157 units or 25.9% to 395 230 vehicles compared to the 533 387 units sold during 2008.
"This represents the lowest industry annual sales level since 2003 and underlines the disproportionately severe impact of the three-and-a-half-year recession on the domestic market, compounded by the shock to the South African economy of the global financial and economic crisis," Naamsa said.
It added that the extent and severity of the downturn in domestic new vehicle sales was reflected in the fact that from the record sales in 2006, aggregate sales by 2009 had declined by 319 085 units or 44.7%.
43% dip since 2007
New, combined commercial vehicle sales had peaked in 2007 and had, over the two years since, fallen by over 104 000 units or 43.2%.
According to Naamsa, new car and commercial vehicle sales had domestically, since the middle of 2009, started to show signs of bottoming out - albeit at historically low levels.
"During 2009, as had been the case throughout 2008, most sectors of the South African automotive industry continued to be confronted with severe profitability and sustainability challenges.
"Pressure on automotive dealers over the past two years has been particularly intense resulting in a number of dealer closures and associated employment losses."
Naamsa added that the parts production sector had also been confronted by severe viability challenges as a result of significantly lower levels of production for both the domestic and export markets.
"A number of component manufacturing companies ceased operations resulting in additional job losses," Naamsa said.
Restructuring
During 2009, vehicle manufacturers and importers were also forced to restructure their operations in response to the lower sales domestically and internationally.
"Fortunately, domestic sales trends during the second half of 2009 suggested that the industry is beginning to emerge from the extremely severe downturn which had started mid-2006."
Naamsa said that at the same time, there were indications, from the third quarter 2009 onwards, of a revival in demand for motor vehicles in international markets as a result of the global economic recovery and focused demand stimulation measures.
"The improvement in export sales over the last four months of 2009 provided much-needed support to vehicle producers and auto parts suppliers," it said.
Overall during 2009, industry trading conditions remained intensely competitive with margins under continued pressure.
"Initial calculations suggest that motor industry new vehicle related sales turnover declined by about 20% during the year.
"In contrast, improved momentum in the used vehicle market which had probably risen by about 15% to over 600 000 units provided some relief to the automotive retail and distributive trade."
Naamsa said the impact of the global financial and economic crisis was reflected in the downturn in new vehicle exports in 2009 which, in aggregate terms, at 174 952 vehicle exports, fell by 109 259 units exported or 38.4% from the 284 211 units exported in 2008.
Looking at the international environment and prospects for 2010, Naamsa said clear signs had emerged of a revival in demand for South African produced motor vehicles in international markets.
Rebrand needed
"South Africa has established itself in recent years as a reliable manufacturer and supplier of high quality vehicles and automotive components to world markets.
"However, within the context of substantial production over-capacity world-wide, South Africa needs to brand itself as an attractive production hub for niche vehicle platforms."
Assisted by predictable and stable industrial policy and the impending Automotive Production and Development Programme with its focus on local value addition, the South African vehicle manufacturing industry was in a relatively good position to grow production and exports in future years, Naamsa said.
"Assuming continued recovery in international markets, current indications are that the number of vehicles likely to be exported by the industry during 2010 could improve by some 56 000 vehicles or 32% over the 2009 figures principally to the major markets in the European Union, Japan and the United States.
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Western Cape cracks down on buses
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Vorsteiner V-MS Series for BMW E9x Coupe M-Tech
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American tuner firm Vorsteiner has released a new tuning kit for the BMW 3-Series. The company's V-MS Aerodynamic Package was built for the M-Tech aero package equipped E92 Coupe, and also fits on the E93 Cabriolet.
Both packages will hit the market next week. A version is also being produced for the E90 Sedan, with release scheduled for the middle of the year.
Vorsteiner engineers designed the package to fit to the 3er without having to take off the stock bumpers. The relatively simple kit includes a race-inspired two-piece front splitter, and a new rear diffuser with two aero fins. Also available is a rear deck-lid spoiler. All three pieces are made from carbon fiber.
The Vorsteiner V-MS Aerodynamic Package will be sold through the company's dealership network. 19- and 20-inch forged wheels are also being readied in three-piece and one-piece monoblock versions.
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BMW 1-Series M to Reportedly Hit 261kW
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It looks like the rumours are true. BMW is going ahead with an M-badged 1 Series, according to a report from Autocar. The two-door coupe will use BMW's famed 3.0-litre straight six petrol engine, but instead of employing one turbo like the 5 Series GT it will revert to a new improved twin-turbo system.
Power is said to be around 261kW and torque should hit the 500Nm mark if the new Z4 sDrive35is (450Nm) is any indication. The rear wheels will drive things as expected with the help of a limited slip differential. The fast-changing double-clutch gearbox is likely to be the standard transmission. Performance possibilities include a 0 - 100km/h time of 5.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 250km/h.
"I want to set a clear signal that our products are financially accessible," M Division boss Kay Segler is quoted as saying. "With the modular production processes in place at BMW, it is possible to create performance cars that customers can not only dream about owning but also realistically afford."
Fuel-saving measures such as stop/ start technologies and brake regeneration will be included.
The outside is likely to feature kit such as a deeper front spoiler, chunkier sills and four chromed M-style tailpipes.
What remains to be confirmed is the name. BMW traditionalists will be loath to call it the M1 since that name is so sacred in BMW history.
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VW Amarok Proves its Mettle in the Gruelling Dakar
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With the Dakar rally currently underway, Volkswagen has announced their fleet of 35 Amarok pickups are performing well under the grueling conditions. Back in November VW announced the new Amarok pick-up truck would be the official support vehicle.
To deal with the difficult terrain, the Amaroks are equipped with an electronic differential lock, off-road anti-lock brakes (which shortens braking distances in off-road conditions or gravel roads), hill decent assist, and hill hold assist.
This year's Dakar rally started on January 1st, from Buenos Aires, and includes a trip up the Andes Mountains, an adventure through the Atacama Desert, and a return voyage to Buenos Aires on January 17th.
According to Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, "We are thrilled to put the new Amarok through its paces as part of this long distance challenge, the world's toughest, before its official launch."
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Heffner Performance Audi R8 Twin Turbo New Details
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Heffner is going for a factory look and feel with their twin turbo system. They want customers to get more than what the standard car offers but without feeling like they had visited a backyard garage mechanic to achieve that.
At the moment the car is said to run 0.4 bar and an 11.8 to 1 air/fuel ratio. It kicks out 394 rear wheel kW but should attain about 441rwkW after drinking 100 octane fuel. Heffner reckons these changes will give it a quarter mile time in the high 10 second range.
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2011 BMW M5 Details Spilled
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The 2011 BMW M5 saloon will have a 0-100 km/h time 0.3 seconds faster than the current model, according to Car Magazine. The car will receive a significant boost in power and torque, and a generous increase in efficiency.
Unfortunately, those who want a wagon variant will have to look elsewhere. No new BMW M5 Touring is planned for production at this time, according to the magazine.
Engineers at the German automaker achieved the faster time despite dumping the 5-liter V10-engine in favor of a 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8. Horsepower on the engine, already seen in the X5 M, bounces up to 425 kW, while torque is increased over the most recent M5 by 40% from 515 Nm to 720 Nm.
Even with better performance, the car will use an estimated 30% less fuel, while pumping out similarly reduced emissions, with final figures expected to be at a respectable 11.8 l/100km. This was not only accomplished with weight management, but through the use of the company's Efficient Dynamics system. A kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), developed by the company's ex-F1 programme, may also make it to the final vehicle.
If the 250 km/h speed limiter were removed, the car would top out around 303 km/h. The 2011 BMW M5 should be introduced at the end of 2010, with market launch in the spring of 2011.
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Strike to disrupt Sandton traffic
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Traffic is expected to be disrupted by an ABI strike in the Georgelee area of Sandton on Monday morning, the Johannesburg metro police said.
Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said the exact route that will be affected as early as 8am was the corner William Nicol and Sandton Drive.
The strike action was expected to begin at 10am but motorists were advised to avoid the affected route from 8am to steer clear of delays.
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New GM is a 'powerhouse'
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The post-bankruptcy General Motors is a "powerhouse" of an carmaker with a bright future and the capacity to achieve rich profits, vice chairman Bob Lutz said on Sunday.
"There were times in the past year or 18 months when it became perilously close to being over for GM but now, as this new decade begins, our future ain't what it used to be because it is in fact much, much brighter," Lutz said on the eve of the Detroit auto show.
"The new GM, in my view, is a powerhouse."
General Motors emerged from bankruptcy protection last year with radically lower fixed costs, an "essentially debt-free balance sheet," a "new and more competitive labor situation" an "outstanding" product portfolio and more focused after shedding four of its eight brands, Lutz said.
"We're finally in a position from a financial structure where we should be - at anything remotely resembling normal demand - we really should be solidly profitable," Lutz told the Society for Automotive Analysts' annual conference.
"It is kind of the phoenix rises from the ashes because this is the first time when we can deploy the full power of GM without the burden of all those horrible legacy cost and the crushing debt load that's all gone now. Now we're under a new ownership and a much, much healthier company."
GM has a depth of engineering experience that will allow it to lead in the development of alternative technologies such as electric and hydrogen powered vehicles, Lutz said.
Lutz expressed confidence at the upcoming launch of GM's plug-in electric hybrid the Volt and announced plans to manufacture a luxury version - the Cadillac Converj - sometime after 2012.
Lutz acknowledged that 2010 will be a challenging year and forecast that US vehicle sales will rise moderately to between 11m and 12m vehicles.
That's a significant improvement over the 10.4m vehicles sold in 2009 after vehicle sales fell 21% as a result of a broad economic downturn, but remains dramatically below the 15m to 17m vehicles sold in each of the past 15 years.
"I'm genuinely optimistic about the future," Lutz said, noting that a slew of economic indicators are showing a slow but real economic recovery and that the United States is adding two million new drivers every year.
"Detroit, the American auto industry and the Detroit auto show are going to experience in the next three to five years a prestige renaissance."
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GM names firm to wind down Saab
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General Motors named a restructuring firm to run the winding-down of Swedish carmaker Saab on Friday, even as it reviewed several bids which included an offer from Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Number one US automaker GM, which has been trying to sell the ailing maker of the 9-3 and 9-5 ranges for over a year, has already seen two buyout proposals fall apart and is preparing to shut the 60-year old company if it doesn't receive a suitable bid - a move which would lead to thousands of job losses.
In a statement, GM named consultancy AlixPartners - already closely involved in GM's restructuring - to run Saab's liquidation.
"GM today confirmed it has selected AlixPartners to supervise the orderly wind-down of Saab," it said. "The ... process is expected to take several months".
GM move "irresponsible"
A senior union official criticised GM's stance. "It is irresponsible of GM to move at the same time in two different directions - both toward a sale and a wind-down," IF Metall chairman Stefan Lofven said in a statement.
Dutch luxury carmaker Spyker made an improved bid for Saab, while Ecclestone joined forces with Luxembourg-based private investment company Genii Capital to pitch a rival proposal. A group of Swedish investors also scrambled to submit a bid.
Genii Capital, which recently invested in Renault's Formula 1 team and has partnered with Ecclestone, said it will "aggressively work towards a successful closing of the transaction with all the relevant stakeholders of the company."
Genii added that Saab has a "tremendous brand value in a number of key automotive markets as well as an innovative image".
Spyker, which confirmed late on Thursday it had made an improved bid, is hoping to gain Saab's technical resources and its distribution network, while bringing its entrepreneurial skills to the new group.
Swedish media reports on Friday named Jan Nygren, an ex-executive of the aerospace arm of Saab and former senior official in the defence ministry, as the head of one group of Swedish investors submitting a last-minute bid.
Formal interest
Nygren, reached by telephone, confirmed he was part of a group of investors interested in Saab, but declined to offer more details about the proposal.
"I can confirm that I am part of the group that has showed formal interest for saving Saab from winding down, but that's about it," he said.
Saab spokesman Eric Geers said any decision over its future and the latest round of bids was in the hands of General Motors. "We all hope these bids are strong enough for General Motors to consider them."
Swedish government officials plan to meet with GM's board early next week in Detroit to clarify what loan guarantees are available to potential bidders, and to seek details about the winding-down process if no sale materialises.
"One thing is to continue the dialogue with GM to facilitate the process for loan guarantees," Swedish government spokesman Frank Nilsson said. "The other track is to get more information about Saab's future, if they stick with the decision to shut it down."
Brand value
Lars Carlstrom, a Swedish investor who is coordinating the Genii-Ecclestone bid, said the Formula One boss and his partners were keen on buying Saab mainly for the value of its brand.
"What Genii and Ecclestone have found is that Saab is an amazing brand, comparable to brands such as Porsche and BMW," he said in a telephone interview. "They love brands and they really value Saab's brand ... They are really supportive and will definitely be able to bring Saab to new heights."
Carlstrom said the joint bid would seek to secure loans from the European Investment Bank, although the bidders had not yet heard a response on their bid from General Motors.
Ecclestone, 79, is one of the wealthiest figures in sport and was ranked 24th in Britain in the 2009 Sunday Times rich list with an estimated fortune of 1.5 billion pounds. He has been a leading player in Formula One since he bought the now-defunct Brabham team in 1972.
A renowned dealmaker, he runs the commercial side of the sport on behalf of rights holders CVC Capital Partners. He had a triple heart bypass in 1999 and was divorced from his wife, Croatia-born Slavica, last year.
Ecclestone is also a co-owner of English second division soccer club Queens Park Rangers, along with former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore and Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal (the eighth wealthiest man in the world according to Forbes).
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