SA motor industry in for tough times

A General Motors assembly worker works on the production line for the 2011 Cadillac at the Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan October 28, 2010. GM announced it will build a new Cadillac small car at the plant and will add a second shift with 600 new workers in Lansing, Michigan. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT)

A General Motors assembly worker works on the production line for the 2011 Cadillac at the Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan October 28, 2010. GM announced it will build a new Cadillac small car at the plant and will add a second shift with 600 new workers in Lansing, Michigan. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT)

Published Nov 13, 2012

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The relatively good times that the South African motor industry has experienced in the last few years is unlikely to continue next year, credit information company TransUnion has warned.

Major dealer groups have enjoyed improved financial results, with new vehicle sales up by 10 percent compared to 2011, along with continuing cost control and a decline in bad debt.

"But all is not rosy as dealer confidence levels are decreasing when compared to those seen over the past 18 months," said TransUnion spokesman Carel Martin.

WHY?

"There is good reason for this, as consumer debt continues to grow and reports indicate that households are experiencing further strain."

Other factors that could pressure the industry include rising fuel prices, toll fees for Gauteng drivers and stabilising vehicle sales volumes.

But continued support programmes from manufacturers, coupled with low interest rates, could potentially boost consumer credit demand.

HIGHER PRICES

Low price increases for 2012, which had contributed to growth, were unlikely to be sustained next year as the rand weakened and input costs increased.

Martin predicted continuing pressure for used car dealers, who were selling used vehicles below the recommended retail price in an attempt to counter price discounts and incentives offered by the new vehicle market.

Gross margins in the used vehicle market appeared to have stabilised after the average percentage gap between trade and retail values reached its lowest level in the past four years in June 2012.

"Given the current market conditions, based on positive trends, constant supply and relative price stability seen in 2012, we can expect 2013 to deliver some growth, although it should be less than what we've seen in the past two years," he said. -Sapa & IOL

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