Earlier in April the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) reported the global automotive industry is currently experiencing unprecedented challenges due to the lockdowns implemented across all major car manufacturing countries and cities to flatten the Covid-19 curve.

Wheels24 reported in March that BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz were suspending production at their local plants respectively.

We've looked at Naamsa's industry vehicle sales' March data and listed the top five exporters in South Africa. A total of 28 883 vehicles were exported last month, down from 36 788 vehicles in the same month last year. 

Volkswagen leads the list with 8461 units exported, considerably less than the 9760 the German carmaker exported in September 2019. 

Ford, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota complete the list. 

Overall, Naamsa said their 33 545 reported industry sales, an estimated 28 042 units or 83.6% represented dealer sales, an estimated 6.2% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry, 5.8% to government, and 4.4% to industry corporate fleets. 

Note: Mercedes-Benz's sales are estimates

Source: Naamsa