Luxury Segment sales In South Africa May 07

Bill submitted on 06/17/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 2:33 PM
from: www.autospies.com

[44] user comments | category: Misc News

Tags: Luxury Segment sales In South Africa May 07

Sales figures from Africa's biggest carmarket, South Africa.

Source: GCZ

BMW 1-Series - 282
Mercedes A-Class - 199
Audi A3 - 430 (including Sportback)
Mercedes B-Class - 84

BMW 3-Series - 923
Mercedes C-Class (new W204) - 811
Audi A4 - 451
Lexus IS - 182

Mercedes E-Class - 196
BMW 5-Series - 175
Audi A6 - 54 (including Allroad + Avant)
Lexus GS - 30
Jaguar S-Type 14

Mercedes S-Class - 60
BMW 7-Series - 7
Audi A8 - 8
Lexus LS - 14

BMW X5 - 287 (new)
Mercedes ML-Class - 192
Subaru Forrester - 151
Audi Q7 - 137
BMW X3 - 119
Range Rover Sport - 103
Mercedes GL-Class - 52
Lexus RX - 18
Subaru Tribeca B9 - 12

Other:

Ferrari 599 - 2
Ferrari F430 - 4

Lamborghini Gallardo - 4
Lamborghini Murcielago - 2

Porsche 911 - 30
Porsche Cayman - 40
Porsche Cayenne - 33

Maserati Quattroporte - 4
Maserati Gran Sport - 1

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Czelinski - 6/17/2007 3:49:03 PM

+5 Boost

Hmm, just as i would of thought. The big 3 are always leading. Good to see.

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Will_ - 6/17/2007 11:13:01 PM

+1 Boost

When did anyone ever say that? Stop making pure crap up!

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aussiecarnut - 6/17/2007 11:15:31 PM

+3 Boost

lexus is only really doing well in the American market

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/17/2007 4:55:07 PM

+6 Boost

Oh boy just look and see how strong the image of the European brands are! It's a global thing. Buying a car isn't solely based on the way it drives or the MPG you get... to me it's all based on how it makes you feel.

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/17/2007 5:13:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Wow, it would be cool to be one of the two Ferrari 599 buyers this month.

Did not know their market was so small. Eight A8s, seven 7 Series models. Funny.

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/17/2007 5:14:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Oh and it looks like the 3 Series is the best-selling luxury car there this month. Followed (predictably) by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.

Willis - 6/17/2007 5:18:40 PM

-2 Boost

I believe most of the purchasing power of the country is located in the capital, Capetown. So the numbers here seem to make some sense in a way.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/18/2007 6:16:04 AM

-1 Boost

It's a known fact that South-Africans love the BMW 3-series.... already for about 20 years!

qball - 6/17/2007 7:11:04 PM

+3 Boost

As a South African I feel the need to correct your post. Firstly, the capital of South Africa is Pretoria and not Cape Town. Secondly, the purchasing power is not located in Cape Town it is in Johannesburg (or Gauteng whcih is the greater Johannesburg area including Pretoria).

Johannesburg is the "financial capital" of Africa and is where all the banks, mines, stock exchange and major business is based - therefore has the purchasing power. No doubt there is money in Cape Town, but most of it is either Johannesburg money or German/British money.

The interesting thing is that most of the cars on this list cost about 20x the average anual income. An Audi A8 sells for around 1-million Rand (approx. $150K). A Porsche 997 Turbo sells for 2.5 million Rand. The crazy thing is that when I went back there in January (I live in So. Cal now) I saw 5 997 GT3 RS's at the local porsche dealership and more 997 Turbo's than I had seen in So. Cal - that has since changed of course.

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truecarlover - 6/18/2007 11:40:00 AM

+1 Boost

Thanks for clearing up the matter. I wanted to comment on what you said about the prices. The thing that amazes me is how much more expensive luxury cars are outside of the U.S. Every where I've been it's the same case. Not to mention that many countries you cannot get leases like you do in the States - so anyone that buys one really has bought it - and actually has the money. Economics are amazing!!!

truecarlover - 6/18/2007 9:48:50 PM

+2 Boost

hmmm - I got de-boosted for stating the fact that luxury cars are easier to buy in the U.S. than they are in other countries???? That's not an opinion.

Htay7500 - 6/17/2007 7:14:47 PM

+1 Boost

my dads been johannesburg when he was a merchant sailor

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Htay7500 - 6/17/2007 7:15:52 PM

+1 Boost

nice place too.

Htay7500 - 6/17/2007 7:38:04 PM

+1 Boost

I never knew , to be honest, tht Lexus reached S. Afr.

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huu76 - 6/17/2007 8:01:13 PM

-5 Boost

Since S.Africa is still probably viewed as a colony and the money is controlled by Europeans, of course they'll buy German to keep up with the Jones' back home.

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qball - 6/17/2007 8:30:11 PM

+5 Boost

South Africa was never a colony of Germany so why would they still view themselves as such? The money is not controlled by Europeans, it is an independent country that has one of the most advanced banking and financial systems in the world. But of course no one on this board does any research, they just shoot off any crap they can dream of.

The bottom line is that Lexus is expensive in South Africa, and they have not spent the money on marketing it like they have in the USA. The 3 German brands have been in South Africa for many years, they all have factories there building RHD versions of some of their cars for other markets (Australia, New Zealand, UK), they employ thousands of people and generate mega income for the government via taxes. I guess South Africans are just loyal to brands that believe in their country, invest and help it prosper.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/18/2007 7:31:59 AM

+3 Boost

Huu76, is it possible to be more ignorant and stupid?

You made me hate Canada. (j/k)

pchera01 - 6/17/2007 8:17:08 PM

+1 Boost

I like to the #s from India and China
But there is no Lexus and Infiniti

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mikeydred20 - 6/17/2007 8:53:53 PM

-2 Boost

No but there is Acura (ADVANCE)

S4cabriofoxone - 6/17/2007 11:20:11 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Acura sucks.

Had to make that clear...

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/18/2007 7:34:36 AM

+1 Boost

You are starting to make more sense. I agree with you mostly.

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BMWM - 6/17/2007 9:21:41 PM

0 Boost

LOL! They sold 7 7-series, thats pathetic. Ferrari almost sold more cars combines than a popular model like the 7-series. Thats amazing though that they sold almost 300 NEW x5s, they just came out!

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aussiecarnut - 6/17/2007 11:18:41 PM

0 Boost

a very popular car over ther is the M3 and M3 convertible, a real market leader in that class.

also don't forget, BMW 3 series are made in South Africa - M3's arent.

but this also adds to be a key reason why they sell well there

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528i - 6/18/2007 1:07:55 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

the Mercedes S-Class killing them.

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Rupert - 6/18/2007 12:39:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Because the LS was just released...that's what happens. 2 months time they stabilise.

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mikeydred20 - 6/18/2007 10:30:23 AM

-5 Boost

S4cabriofoxone obviously by your name I can tell you are a Audi lover let me be the first to say Audi sucks. They have been the bronze bearers of Europe for decades and here in America they do not I repeat do not sell more cars than Acura.
By the way how many Audi engines have blown up and killed drivers just in the test phase. S4 alright A4 piece of junk even with the all-wheel drive version. TL will smoke it anyday.
A8 looks nice but how many get sent back to the factory each year to be crushed because no one buys them? lol

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zorbeeze - 6/18/2007 12:52:15 PM

+4 Boost

Please do never compare Acura to Audi. Never.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/18/2007 2:17:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I'm sorry Acuras are so boring. I've owned a '90 Vigor and a '95 TL and they were probably the two most boring cars I've ever had. The current Acura models are not exciting in the least. No matter how much technology and faux luxe they have in their cars, they'll still be Acuras, the epitome of boring Japanese wannabe luxury.

Lexus and Infiniti are far more interesting. Lexus produces cars that actually have style, where Acuras are a mess. Lexus also have very well-finished interiors, great engines and the obvious reliability/customer service. Infiniti, on the other hand, have very sporty cars that Acura can't match. They have superb exhaust notes, their interiors are improving rapidly and the M45 Sport is one of the best-looking sedans in its segment.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/18/2007 2:19:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Oh and, TL can "smoke" an A4? The TL is a re-badged Accord, sorry. It's been de-rated to 250hp, and its closest competitor, the Lexus ES350, can crush it in a straight line as well as having a much nicer interior. The TL should never be compared to the A4. A4 3.2 quattro can get from 0-60 in six seconds, with the 2.0T coming it at a bit under seven. On the other hand, the TL Type-S will give you understeer and torque steer galore. Have fun.

truecarlover - 6/18/2007 2:49:25 PM

-1 Boost

I think Mikey and S4 you are both offbase in this.

Mikey - what Audi engine ever killed anyone? The A8 is kept to moderate production - so they sell all them - especially in Europe. Yes Acura does sell more than Audi in the U.S. - but they are less expensive - and the gap is closing down.

S4 - I wouldn't say Acura's are boring...personally I would rather drive and RL Acura than a GS Lexus - and I mean that sincerely. Infiniti's are more sporty - but I still would prefer an Acura in several ways (one is definitely styling). Other than a 3-series BMW I don't know any luxury car that has aged as well as those old Acura Legends.

mikeydred20 - 6/18/2007 5:37:39 PM

-2 Boost

Let the truth be told, I havn't seen nor heard Audi do any thing for the buisness that is worth looking at, not to mention their previous track record for realiability. It might have not been the engine but didn't the old Audi 5000 kill someone testing it in the early 90's? Oh and what about the 60 minutes report that almost killed Audi's dreams.
You guys are telling me that Audi is anything pretty to look at? Honestly I see more Volkswagon in Audi than I see Honda in Acura, because each Acura vechicle has it's own personality, not like Audi that every front and back of their lineups look the same just stretch versions.
By the way the A4 is FWD mostly too and the TL has actually been detuned to 258 HP and I know it can whip an A4 because I have. Acura SH-AWD is far more superb than quatro (junk). Q7 is a MDX wannabe but lacks the passion, I don't hear editors bragging about its handling, I only hear how heavy it is.
Sorry that I have upset too many people for refusing to jump on the band wagon, but I'm sticking with the Japs, for the technology.

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mikeydred20 - 6/18/2007 5:48:29 PM

-1 Boost

Are you calling yourself an idiot because you put an I in front of the trash that came out of your mouth. Point is half the people on this site are living a fantasy, talking stuff they don't know probally pushing a Vespa to work. Me I did my home work I studied the consumers reports compared apples to apples like normal people and chose a good car that gets alot of attention not that it matters to me. I'm sorry nothing from Audi stands out at me if you want to put it this way I think alot of people feel about Audi like they feel about Acura. point is a car is ment for driving everything else is second.

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truecarlover - 6/18/2007 9:47:16 PM

+2 Boost

mikeydred - just an fyi - it was proven and later confessed by 60 Minutes - that the cars were rigged to perform that way. It was a hoax. Legends don't always match reality.

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zorbeeze - 6/19/2007 1:24:10 PM

+2 Boost

The fact that you wasted your time studying consumer reports shows you know nothing and you're just a sheep.
Audi has brought more to the table than Acura ever has. In fact other than the SH-AWD what technology has Acura brought, think hard and don't provide techs that were brought in by Honda. If you want Acura to be considered in the luxury segment you have to seperate the two. And Audi's Quattro system is amazing. I'm not a big fan of AWD, for me it's gotta be RWD, but the system works wonders.
Fact is most people who think of high end cars never mention Acura. Just look at the attrocious sales of the RL. Even in the low end market, they had to stop the RSX because sales were not up to par.
You call Audi the bronze bearer of europe, well news flash sherlock, Acura is the bronze bearer of Japan.
But explain to me how Audi is selling so well in the rest of the world whereas Acura, as far as i know does not even exist. Last i checked every Acura is based on Honda's whereas Audi's are not all based on VW's.
So before you start yapping maybe you should do more research and not only Consumer Crapports.
As i've said before, Acura is not a luxury brand. They compete with Volvo, Saab. They do not compete with BMW, MB, Audi, Lexus, Caddilac.

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mikeydred20 - 6/19/2007 8:00:54 PM

-1 Boost

Check you luxury brand list last I check Caddilac uses fake wood on their premium SUV so that would exclude them.I will agree with the world wide thing but here in America people do cross shop Acura with Audi. Few more techs for you 1996 RL first to debut with navigation here in the US. 2001 MDX first to use independant rear heating system. NSX first production car to use drive- by- wire throttle.
Audi is junk and whats up with the flat door handles, no style.Wait until next year when Acura goes global and becomes another Japanese brand to put a thorn in the rest of the world .

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zorbeeze - 6/20/2007 1:06:17 PM

+2 Boost

Take your head outside the US and look at the world as a whole then you'll see a clearer picture.

mikeydred20 - 6/19/2007 8:25:36 PM

-1 Boost

Zorbeeze you know why your comments are dumb Acura did not drop the RSX for slow sales it was to move more upscale, plus how many two door cars actually sell. Last I checked their entry car the TSX has the same MSRP as the Audi's A4.
As far as the RL sales were strong the first year.I live in New England and I see plenty of them because they are a beast in the snow, beats riding high. How many A6'S has Audi sold or any company for that matter in the mid luxury catergory 55k doesn't grow on trees you know. Lets talk about the TL and how it probally outsells every car in Audi's junk lineup.
The R8 is Hideous looks like an Audi TT on steroids other than the LED headlights nothing stands out.Wait until the NSX comes out and redefines performance again.
When I trash Lexus it's all for shits and giggles, although I probally wouldn't buy no Lex but the LS I respect them. Audi is junk sorry I live in America and I am only concerned about what happens here save your global junk for the UN or someone that cares.

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zorbeeze - 6/20/2007 1:08:12 PM

+2 Boost

Like i said stop looking at the US. The A6 is a big seller for Audi. You're too narrow minded.

somnambulist - 6/25/2007 3:02:51 AM

+1 Boost

What people dont understand is that before toyota relaunched lexus they were just sold in the same showrooms as toyota's & the way toyota's fly out of showrooms they way they do (toyota is still the market leader after 25 years)they wasnt any incentive to push lexus untill now ... Toyota did the same with Hino and Daihatsu (who is only in S.A due to a local importer).

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