2013 increase in CO2 vehicle emissions taxes on cars and certain categories of light commercials.” “This could result in some moderation in the rate of growth in sales over the balance of the year. There were a number of factors, however, that should lend support going forward and these included the low interest rate environment, continued strong replacement demand, a highly competitive trading environment with attractive incentives, low debt servicing costs and high tech new model introductions.” “On the negative side, however, rising inflationary pressures facing consumers would dampen growth in consumers’ real disposable income. New vehicle exports and industry production, however, should register strong growth in 2013.” “We are continuously optimistic of low levels of market growth during the year,” says Glendinning.
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Despite softening demand for new vehicles, sales of Peugeot passenger and light commercial vehicles showed an increase of 17% on February levels. The trend is mirrored when comparing year-on-year sales, with Peugeot SA’s year-to-date sales for 2013 showing an increase of 17.7% on the same period last year. “The March sales are heartening, and a welcome sign our consistent efforts on the customer car front are paying dividends,” says Francis Harnie, Managing Mirector of Peugeot SA. “Market conditions are not easy at present, and to show strong growth at this juncture is particularly gratifying.” Broken down, the first quarter activity looks like this: Market segment
2012
2013
% change
Passenger vehicles
38 996
37 596
-3.6%
Light commercial vehicles
14 605
14 794
+1.3%
Medium commercial vehicles
983
1 015
+3.3%
Heavy commercial vehicles
426
393
-7.7%
Extra Heavy commercial vehicles
1 011
1 036
+2.5%
Bus
131
112
-14.5%
Vehicle exports
23 968
28 338
+18.2%
Overall market 56 152 (local)
54 946
-2.1%
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