PRICE DROP: Sales of more affordable models display greatest growth share

ByMotoring Reporter

Sales of used cars in October grew 4% month-on-month to 32,839 units. Despite higher sales numbers than September, the total value of used cars sold declined by 1% to R12,66 billion from R12,77 billion in September. The reason? Drop in the average used car selling price.

“While used car sales grew by an additional 1,203 units in October, the average selling price dipped to R385,460 from R403,626 in September, signalling consumer affordability pressures. Increased sales of more affordable models supports this view,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.

As in previous months Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford maintained their top three positions as the brands that sold the most vehicles. Back in the top ten was Renault but Audi fell two places and out of the placings.

There were few changes to the top ten sold models. The Ford Ranger still leads, but in October, Toyota Hilux sales eclipsed those of the VW Polo by 57 units allowing the bakkie to nab second spot from the hatch. No changes though to the three best-selling variants. The VW Polo 1.0 TSI, VW Polo Vivo 1.4 and Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 remain ahead of the pack.

But it was not all a case of the same old same old in October. There were some interesting developments, not least of which was the plight of the Jeep Wrangler. After exponential growth in previous months, the adventure SUV plummeted from 6th to 24th position. Price point and fuel consumption costs biting harder perhaps?

The Suzuki Swift’s month-on-month growth of 13,64% saw the roomy Japanese hatch back in the top ten best-selling models. And it was not the only model to display significant sales growth. Two premium sedans, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series upped their sales by 13.34% and 13.65% respectively.

Older year models with high mileage are no deterrent to Mercedes-Benz and BMW buyers. The models’ continuous presence in the top ten says much about the faith that car buyers have in the build quality, safety and longevity of these two German models. Seven year old models with around 100,000km mileages averaged selling prices of R439,806 and R366,577 respectively. So much for the so-called ‘death of the sedan.’

MOTORING:

Briefs

HIGH FIVE JIMNY

A bigger Suzuki Jimny is already in South Africa the first time this product has officially been unveiled on the African continent.

In addition to having two extra doors, the bigger Jimny features a longer wheelbase, which has been extended by 340 mm to allow for the redesign that includes the two extra doors.

The longer wheelbase allows for more rear occupant space and a boot that measures 211-litres. The product retains its 37-degree approach and 49-degree departure angles but sacrifices one degree in terms of its breakover angle, which is now 27-degrees.

The ground clearance remains 210 mm, as with the 3-door variant and has the same 75kW/146Nm K15B 1.5-litre engine with a choice of either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox.

ORA LOVES YOU

GWM ORA, the innovative and fashionable “Pure Electric Vehicle” from GWM, introduces a new era for GWM in South Africa by bringing a fresh new approach to electric mobility with the official launch of the new GWM ORA 03.

The GWM ORA 03 range consists of four models – the 300 Super Luxury, the 400 Super Luxury the 400 Ultra Luxury and the 400 GT Ultra Luxury – all powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering 126 kW and 250 Nm of peak torque to the front wheels.

Weighing only 1 555kg, this allows the GWM ORA 03 to dash from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reach a top speed of just under 160 km/h.

Coupled with a 48kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, the electric motor in the entry-level standard-range 300 Super Luxury delivers a consumption of 16.7kWh/100 km for a range of up to 310 km (WLTP cycle).

Pricing starts from R686 950.

HOLLYWOOD AND CARS

True to its Los Angeles roots, AutoMobility LA will celebrate the world of entertainment, with the first-ever public display of the Kevin Hart Kollection – an assemblage of 10 expertly customized muscle cars and exotics owned by the internationally acclaimed comedian, movie star and entrepreneur.

AutoMobility LA attendees will also get a first-hand look as popular artist and Los Angeles native Mister Cartoon unveils the official LA Auto Show print he created specifically for the occasion.

Fans of the Fast & Furious franchise will be able to see a number of cars from the movie series, while Robert Downey Jr will be presenting all six of the eco-friendly vehicles he transformed in the Max series Downey’s Dream Cars.

There will also be promotions from Hulu’s Drive with Swizz Beatz and Ferrari (The Movie), providing entertainment for all the family. Following AutoMobility LA and held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the 116th Los Angeles Auto Show will run from November 17-26.

ONE MORE THING….

A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is the most expensive car ever sold, having gone under the hammer for a staggering $135m (about R2-billion) in 2022 – the equivalent of £114.4m.

Previously owned by Mercedes-Benz, the car was sold by RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes-Benz Museum to an anonymous buyer.

The winning bid was placed on the mystery buyer’s behalf by Simon Kidston, head of historic car specialist Kidston SA.

The £114.4m hammer price is the current world record price for any car, more than doubling the previous record, which at the time was held by the Ferrari 250 GTO in third place on this list. It was so expensive that the SLR’s opening bidding price was higher than the final price of the 250 GTO.

Just two 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupés were made by Mercedes-Benz and they take their name from the firm’s chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut.