South Africa’s Auto Sales Growth Slows to 1%

Carmakers sold 55,100 vehicles in South Africa last month compared with 54,300 units in September 2011, according to the National Assn. of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.

September's gain was the smallest year-on-year increase since March 2010.

South African demand for passenger vehicles rose 4% to 39,500 units in September. Volume fell 5% and 9% for light- and medium-duty commercial vehicles, respectively. Sales of buses and heavy-duty trucks dropped 8%.

NAAMSA says consumer confidence has been dented by the country's slowing economic expansion and strikes by miners and truckers. Johannesburg-based First National Bank's consumer confidence index remained close to a four-year low in the July-October period.

The carmaker group predicts rising inflation and a weak rand will result in "subdued growth" in vehicle sales.