Figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) show sales in the first six months of the year are up by 6.8% which is a substantial increase considering the market might weaken in the next coming months due to fuel price hikes and threatening toll fees.

Regardless of indications of a slow down in economic growth, industry sales of 53562 units for June 2013 reflected an increase of 3.3% from the 51872 units sold in June last year. Here is a breakdown of the best selling new car brands for June 2013 in comparison with May 2013, as well as each brand’s top 5 selling vehicles.

South Africa’s Top selling new car brands

1. Volkswagen Group SA – 10 620 units

The German company outsold its Japanese rival Toyota by 533 units in June, while Audi’s market share has grown in the premium segment during the past six months. Locally built Polo Vivo is still the best-selling passenger car in South Africa and surpasses the Toyota Hilux as the best selling car in June 2013.

2. Toyota – 10 087 units

Despite the high level of competition the industry is showing, Toyota continues to lead the way with vehicle exports. Along with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Ford Figo, Toyota’s Corolla and Etios topped the 1000 sales mark, ensuring the brand continues to power ahead with total sales of 10 087 new vehicles in June.

3. Ford Motor Company – 5186 units

Ford continued to forge ahead during the first six months of the year, increasing sales by four times the market growth during the same period last year. The recently launched Ford Fiesta ST accounted for 184 units of Fiesta sales, 79% ahead of the best previous generation Fiesta ST sales month. Ford sold a total of 5186 units indicating strong consumer sentiment for the products, and across the range of existing models and new product introductions.

4. GMSA – 5111 units

Within the GMSA product range the Chevrolet Utility continued to be a favourite amongst buyers in the sub-1 ton market with 1 672 of the popular small pick-ups delivered during June. GMSA sales of 5 111 units accounted for 53 562 total industry sales for June.

5. Nissan – 4273 units

Nissan South Africa ended the first half of the calendar year on a high note, selling a total of 4 273 vehicles in June 2013, and increasing volume by 744 units or 21% compared to May. The NP200 enjoyed a very strong month with 1 682 sales, making it the best-selling half-tonner locally, while the NP300 Hardbody one-tonner workhorse showed an increase over May.