A total of 1,845 new vehicles were sold in Namibia during June. New vehicle sales fell by 8.8% year on year, although this is due to the high base set last year. On a year to date basis new vehicle sales grew by 4.6% to 11,003, therefore still on track for a record year. The 12 month cumulative measure of new vehicles sold fell for a second month, down from 22,611 in May to 22,434 in June, largely due to the high base set in June 2014.
Passenger vehicle sales rebounded 23.1% on a month on month basis after falling 15.4% last month. On a year to date basis sales of new passenger vehicles rose 3.7% to 4,986 vehicles sold, the highest figure on record. Year on year sales of new passenger vehicles grew by 1.5%, up from -3.8% last month. A total of 906 new passenger vehicles were sold during June, four vehicles short of the highest figure on record.
On a month on month basis new commercial vehicle sales rebounded 8.3% with a total of 939 vehicles driving off the showroom floors. The total number of new commercial vehicles sold for the year has increased by 5.3% to 6,017, on track for a record year. Sales of new light commercial vehicles jumped 9.4% month on month, although dropping 15% year on year, due to a high base in June last year. Sales of medium commercial vehicles rose by 20% over last month while sales of heavy commercial vehicles fell by 10.5% on a month on month basis. Both these metrics are on track for record sales on a yearly basis with record year to date figures.
The Bottom Line
Current year to date vehicle sales are at record levels for all classes measured. This is a sign of positive consumer sentiment and indicative of a growing economy. A strong consumer base supported by expansionary fiscal policy and real wage growth should see the growth trend continue, although at a slower pace due to an elevated base set last year.