The South African market declined by 5.4% in the first half of 2014

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The South African market declined by 5.4% in the first half of 2014

- The South African market VP +LCV declined by 5.4% in the first half of 2014 compared to the first half of 2013, to 308 540 units (against 326 283 last year ). The PC market reached 208 796 units against 224 082 the previous year (a decrease of 6.8%).

- This decline in registrations is mainly due to a slowdown in the South African economy, alongside increased inflation and interest rates. In addition, strong social movements cost the country financially  and disrupted the South African economy.

- Over 12 months, the South African market could therefore fall around 375 000 passenger cars plus 200 000 light commercial vehicles. South Africa would remain, despite this decline, the first African market, well ahead of Algeria which should end the year at around 300 000 vehicles (PC + LCV).

- By manufacturer, the VW group (first automobile manufacturer in South Africa), remained the market leader in 2014 with 24% market share, ahead of Toyota (11%) and Hyundai-Kia (9%). The best-selling car in 2014 is by far the VW Polo (segment B) which holds nearly 15% of the South African market. This model is assembled locally in a VW factory. It is also the most produced model of the country, and obviously the most produced VW model.
 

14-24-3  


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The Algerian market declined sharply in the first half of 2014

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The Algerian market declined sharply in the first half of 2014

- The Algerian market (PC + LCV) has declined sharply in the first half of 2014, down around 25% compared to the same period in 2013, this bodes well for a  volume of about 300 000 units throughout the year, against 400 000 in 2013 and 437 000 in 2012, the market decline actually began in 2013 with the second half of year well bellow that of the first half.

- Factors specific to the Algerian market which are not related to economic growth explain this fall. Thus, the end of the salary recall of civil servants (salaries weren't paid for several years and when they eventually were they were backdated) and the change in priority of household spendings towards other things, such as housing have impacted the market. After exponential growth between 2010 and 2013, the 2014 market volume is therefore more in line with its potential.

- Algeria having had to import all of its vehicles until the end of 2014, the level of imports was consequently also down. A decrease accentuated by the high level of current stocks. To regulate the importation of new vehicles, the Government introduced several measures including limiting the importation of vehicles by car dealers, banning the latter from importing vehicles on the behalf of other dealers or individuals outside of their distribution networks and the obligation to set up an industrial or service activity within three years.

- It is in this specific context that the Renault plant in Oran should begin operation in November 2014.
 

14-24-1  


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The future Fiat Scudo will be based on the Renault Trafic

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The future Fiat Scudo will be based on the Renault Trafic

- As of 2016, Renault will produce the future Fiat Scudo in the Sandouville plant. The future light commercial vehicle is a derivative of the Renault Trafic that was launched this year. Other LCVs also share the body of the Traffic: Vivaro (produced Luton) and the Nissan NV300 (produced Sandouville).

- The current Fiat Scudo, based on the Peugeot Expert / Citroën Jumpy is produced in JV with PSA in the Sevelnord plant (France). The agreement ended in 2012, but PSA (that took over the 50% stake Fiat had in Sevelnord) is continuing the production of LCVs for both groups until 2016. At which time, the production capacity dedicated the Scudo in Sevelnord shall be used for the future Toyota ProAce. However, it is possible that the production volumes of the Toyota ProAce may be lower than those of the Scudo.

- In recent years, Fiat Scudo sales were on average of 20 000 units per year, but reached a peak of 40 000 units in 2007. At the Renault plant, the future Fiat Scudo could be produced at 30 000 units per year and allow the Sandouville plant to grow from 110 000 units this year to 140 000 in 2018. The plant could thus be closer to the targets set by the management of Renault.

- Renault already produces LCVs in cooperation with Opel (Vivaro Movano-), Nissan (NV300-NV400) and Mercedes (Citan).
 

14-23-9  


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Volkswagen will produce an SUV in its U.S. plant of Chattanooga

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Volkswagen will produce an SUV in its U.S. plant of Chattanooga

- The Volkswagen Group has decided to build a new segment D SUV in its U.S. Chattanooga plant (Tennessee). This new model will be different from the Tiguan (segment C) and Touareg (segment E) that are manufactured in Europe.


- The new vehicle’s final name it not yet known but it should be announced at the end of 2016 and will be marketed at the beginning of 2017. It will be based on the CrossBlue concept unveiled last year at the Detroit Auto Show and will be equipped with seven seats.


- According to its manufacturer, this future vehicle will have amenities and dimensions close to those of best selling American SUVs and will be more in line with the current expectations of U.S. customers.


- The SUV will be based on the platform of the American Passat and allow the plant Chattanooga to get closer to the production objectives set by Volkswagen’s management, the Passat that is currently produced does not respond fully to the expectations of the manufacturer. Indeed, it  was purchased by 140 000 customers in 2013 (against 175 000 in 2012), with the arrival of the new SUV the plant's capacity will increase from 170 000 units per year to 250 000 units per year.


- Volkswagen group's goal is to sell 800 000 vehicles (all models) in the United States in 2018, while sales barely surpassed 400 000 units in 2013. 

 

14-23-10  


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Opel is going to stop marketing the Ampera

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Opel is going to stop marketing the Ampera

- After the removal of the 100% electric Renault Fluence ZE , Opel announced in turn that it will stop marketing its 100% electric Ampera (mainly sold in Europe) model. This removal will take effect when Chevrolet will launch the second generation Volt, the twin of the Ampera in North America. This launch that is scheduled for the second half of 2015.

- The Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera extended-range vehicles from the GM group, were sold at 34 568 units in 2013, the Leaf was sold 46 555 vehicles and the Fluence which fell by 57% between 2012 and 2013 is in last position with 920 units.

- The Ampera suffered a decline in its global sales of 40% in 2013 compared to 2012, to 3 184 units. And in the first six months of 2014, sales fell again by 65% to 410 units. Meanwhile the Volt was sold at more than 32 000 units in 2013, and declined by 13% over the first six months of 2014. Three factors explain this difference: 1 - Chevrolet is the second manufacturer U.S. 2- market share for electric and hybrid vehicles is higher in the U.S. (3.5% market share against 1.7% in Europe). 3 - The Volt is worth 26 000€ in the U.S. while the Ampera worth 38 000€ in Europe. However, the vehicle could have been be a good alternative to electric cars lacking in range extenders, especially in Europe,  its largest market. Nevertheless, it is possible that the price of the Ampera had a negative effect on sales of the model, significantly more expensive than its competitors (Fluence 26 000€, Leaf 25 000€ ).

- Following the decision to remove the Chevrolet make from the European market in 2016, the Volt will be removed in Europe at the same time as the Ampera. However, Opel plans to launch a smaller and less expensive electric model.
 

14-23-7  


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