Vehicle Sales Climb 8% in South Africa

Deliveries of passenger and commercial vehicles in South Africa rose to 58,100 units last month from 54,100 in July 2012, according to the National Assn. of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.

The country's passenger car sales grew 6% to 40,300 units in July. The Pretoria-based group says strong demand from rental-car companies buoyed July volume and is likely to do the same in August and September.

Demand for light commercial vehicles in South Africa advanced 9% to 15,000 units last month. Sales of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles jumped 19% to 990 units and 13% to 1,800 units, respectively.

NAAMSA predicts that demand will be dampened in coming months by expectations of "subdued" economic growth and higher vehicle prices.

South Africa's auto exports dropped 4% year on year to 26,600 vehicles last month.