South African’s Auto Sales Rise 2%

Sales of new vehicles in South Africa advanced to 53,200 units last month from 52,400 units in February 2012, according to the National Assn. of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.

NAMSA says the pace of year-on-year growth was the slowest since September. The group predicts that South Africa's reheating inflation and the weakening rand could cause "further moderation" of sales over the rest of the year.

The country's passenger-car demand in February edged up 1% from a year earlier to 36,700 vehicles. Sales of light commercial vehicles climbed 5% to 14,200 units. But medium- and heavy-duty truck volume fell 8% to 900 units and 2% to 1,500 units.

Vehicle exports from South Africa jumped 22% to 27,600 units last month.