July accounted for 34,503 new vehicles sales, marking the second consecutive month of growth this year after June’s significant 14,4% improvement over May. Passenger cars were up 3,5% on June, but 25,1% down on July 2008. Light Commercial Vehicles accounted for a 4,5% increase in volume over June compared to the 23% decline they show on the same period last year.

“The market is beginning to show tangible signs of stability at or near the bottom of this difficult cycle,” says Vice President Sales and Marketing, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Jacques Brent. “While we cannot expect a turn-around in the near term, it is reassuring for retailers that volumes are less volatile, and indeed on a marginally positive trend currently, which will assist them greatly in their business planning.”

The Medium, Heavy, and Extra Heavy Commercial Vehicle segments continued to be depressed with 46,1%, 51,0%, and 57,3% losses year on year. The bus market showed a 89,2% spike in sales to 263 units.

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa sales declined 10,1% versus June. Fiesta remained the best-performing passenger model, while Ranger reflected a 7% increase in sales and accounted for the company’s majority of Light Commercial Vehicle sales. This decrease is largely due to supply constraints around new Fiesta and low market participation in the government and rental channels.

“Government and rental sales continued to be a driving factor in volume growth in July, as it did in June,” says Brent. “Dealer volumes decreased 3,4% in July versus the prior month. July volumes indicate a positive start to the second half, and while manufacturers and dealers will need to continue working hard for market share, the market appears to be beginning to offer a small helping hand to the motor industry.”