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The high jump in new car sales during February should not be intepreted as a sign that South Africa's depressed automotive sector is out of the woods, say industry experts.
New vehicle sales increased 20.5% to 39 312 units during February compared to the same month a year ago, according to figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) on Tuesday.
February's vehicle sales have increased 3.3% from January. The number of cars sold during the month is the highest seen since October 2008, which was around the time consumer demand for cars nosedived.
"The improvement should be seen in relation to the low sales levels in February 2009 which had reflected the impact of the global financial crisis," said Naamsa in a statement on Tuesday.
Vehicle sales have increased 18% over the first two months of this year, compared to January and February 2009.
However, Malcolm Gauld, vice president of sales and marketing at General Motors South Africa (GMSA) said that sales numbers may have been inflated due to rental companies boosting their fleets ahead of the Fifa World Cup.
'Not sustainable'
"This is not sustainable over the course of the year," he said.
Ford Motor Company of South Africa has echoed Gaulds' views. The car manufacturer expects that sales activity will adopt a more muted tone around the middle of this year.
"Our forecast is for a small recovery over the course of the year," said Ford.
GMSA sees the local sales market growing by around 6% to 8% this year.
Volkswagen South Africa said a recovery will be driven by the slow and steady improvement in households' economic circumstances and their willingness to request credit.
GMSA research found there may be a small change in attitude on long-term debt emerging. New vehicle finance applications increased 2% during February month on month.
Meanwhile, exports are also expected to improve this year as South Africa's major export markets emerge from recession.
Currently, exports are still down. The number of outbound cars from South Africa fell 5.1% to 14 876 vehicles in February compared to the same month last year.
"Manufacturer's projections suggested that overall industry export sales could grow by about 32% from last year's level," said Naamsa.
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Volkswagen Sharan Takes a Geneva Bow
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This is the third-generation version of the model and is the biggest one yet. It measures 4.85 metres long, 1.9m wide but 1.72m lower. The wheelbase is 2.92m long.
Designed by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff (the VW brand's Chief Designer), the Sharan reflects the company's new design philosophy. The front end features styling such as the gloss black bars across the radiator grille, integrated chrome clips and a chrome VW logo. Optional bi-xenon lights can be ordered and they come with LED daytime running lights.
Another new feature is the rear sliding door aimed at making rear access easier. A choice of three base version interiors with five, six or seven seats will be available. There is also the flexible EasyFold seat system that allows seats on the second and third rows to be easily stowed away in the floor.
Some interior appointments include an electrically operated panoramic sliding roof, a 3-zone climate control system and a radio/ CD sound system as standard.
The Sharan will initially be offered with four direct injection turbo petrol (TSI) and turbo diesel (TDI) engines. At the base is a 110 kW TSI motor, followed by a 147 kW version. The TDIs push out 103 kW and 125 kW each respectively. VW says the 103kW TDI averages 5.5 litres per 100km and returns 145g/km in C02 emissions from its 70 litre fuel tank.
In European markets where it will first be available, the all-new Sharan can be ordered from this month. A full market launch is scheduled for the coming summer.
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Audi A1 S-Line Sport Package
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During the Geneva Motor Show, Audi released the first images of the S-Line sport package for the A1. Recently this A1 S-line was photographed during a photo shoot in Barcelona.
While details are limited, the package seems to include a revised front bumper, a larger roof-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser, and unique wheels. Inside, owners will likely find sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and special trim.
Unfortunately, no performance upgrades are expected. This means the package could be applied to A1s with the anemic 63 kW 1.2-liter TFSI and the feeble 66 kW 1.6-liter TDI.
If that thought scares you, wait to until 2012 when the S1 is launched. As we have previously reported, the S1 is expected to use a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with approximately 132 kW.
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BRABUS E V12 Coupe with 588kW Pounds into Geneva
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Based on the latest Mercedes E-Class coupe, BRABUS calls this its Gran Turismo. It comes with a BRABUS SV12 R biturbo engine which churns out a healthy 588 kW and a peak torque figure of 1,420 Nm. Suffice to say, 0 to 100 km/h comes in at under 4 seconds - 3.7 to be exact. The 200 km/h mark is reached in only 9.9 seconds and 300 km/h in 23.9 seconds. The car is electronically limited to a top speed of 350 km/h.
BRABUS is definitely deserving of the automaker credential since it adds so much of its own technology to this E-Class Coupe. It takes the standard 5.5 liter V12 and expands it up to a 6.3 liter engine by means of a new crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and bigger pistons. BRABUS also adds a sizable contribution of its own electronic work to the engine.
The BRABUS E V12 Coupe comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission, reinforced by BRABUS, and a high-performance limited slip differential for the rear-wheel drive system. Also added are a new air intake system and a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts.
To help manage the extra wind from the excessive amount of power is a carbon fiber body kit that helps reduce lift on the front end with a sport fender with integrated air vents and other cooling air inlet and outlets as well as other aerodynamic paneling. Integrated LED daytime running lights are also part of the package. A coil-over suspension with adjustable ride height boosts agility. High-performance brakes and 19-inch rims also match the demands of the E V12 Coupe's power rating.
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All-New 2011 Nissan Micra Global Car Revealed
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Called the "March" in the Japanese market, the car now features body-coloured mouldings, larger front bumper with one-piece radiator grille, and a flatter rear.
Of importance to Nissan was not just the recreation of a useful urban car, but also to give the car an appealing look for a wide customer base. Nissan plans to sell the car in 160 different markets worldwide. "The car has to charm a global audience," said Nissan designer Makoto Yamane. "Its face had to look stylish and have an air of sophistication to it."
The same general shape was carried over from the last version of the car, a facelifted edition of the third generation Micra introduced in 2007. Nissan chose to make more subtle changes, by making the car "slightly longer and marginally lower" which now makes room for an extended wheelbase. Even still, the car maintains a very tight turning radius of 4.5-meters.
Engine choices will vary by market, with only two being offered in Europe. These include the brand new 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 59 kW and up to 108Nm of torque. Running on petrol, the engine gives off 115 grams of CO2 per kilometer. A supercharged, direct-injection 1.2-liter engine will also be sold. This unit includes start/stop, reducing emissions to 95g/km, while improving performance to 72 kW up to 142 Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a new CVT.
Customers in some markets will be able to get the car with the Nissan Connect touch-screen infotainment unit, sat-nav, glass roof, and the Intelligent Key. Also on offer will be reverse sensors, and a parking assist system with three settings to help amateur, normal, and expert drivers squeeze into tight parking spots.
Fourth-generation Nissan Micra sales will begin this month in Thailand. The car hits European dealerships in November.
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