FLEET: Record Year For The Fleet Of New Vehicles On Our Roads

If we thought in a clear decrease in purchasing power, Mauritians have skimped to make big investment figures demonstrate the contrary dealers. 2012 has been the "year of the automobile"with record sales figures. 
Between January and December 2012, the automotive market has registered a growth of about 30%, according to statistics of Motor Vehicles Dealers Association (MVDA), nearly 15 000 registered vehicles put on the road. Among some 9,700 new vehicles, including more than 6000 cars. 
A paradox noted by many observers, ie in a context where the purchasing power seems to crumble. Is this related to the introduction of the carbon tax in 2011? Not just say dealers. Certainly, the introduction of the carbon tax has helped to advance the sale of new small cars (up 35%) at the expense of medium-sized cars. However, there are other factors, says the president of the MVDA, Gilles Lalanne. " The competitiveness of Malaysian and Korean cars, billed dollar compared to traditional Japanese cars, dealers of nine who showed much more aggressive commercial promotions organizing and settling in malls (one who gives has changed the perception of potential buyers who would never have visited the showrooms fearing high prices), the longer warranties on new cars and access to credit through finance companies, " he said.

Premium: 10% of sales

Thus, to date, the class that is doing well in the market is that small displacements, in this case with a very good performance compared to the Korean and Malaysian saloon cars (up to 1600 cc). The MVDA also notes "a very good performance of high-end cars, including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Aston MArtin, Land Rover, Range Rover etc".   Almost 1000 units will be sold in late December, representing 10% of total sales, said Gilles Lalanne, pointing out that "the market Premium is doing very well in Mauritius."

Kia and Hyundai to top

Side brands in the ranking of sales of new cars, the top-selling Kia returns to (+ 936), followed by Hyundai (742). Nissan takes the third place with 676 cars sold in late November, followed by Toyota (478). In fifth position, BMW. Peugeot is the first European ranking of the twelve best sales, posting the 11th. 
If the sale of new cars has been on the rise in 2012 sales (or controls) were more pronounced on the six months of 2011 and the first six months of 2012, the delivery taking place in the second semester.For the last three months of the year, dealers noted a slowdown in sales. It is mainly the sale of second hand cars that took the elevator (after a slowdown in early 2012), the last three months of the year. Indeed, according to MVDA, figures for October, November and December show that second-hand vehicles are still popular on the market.

Increase in sales of second hand cars in second half

"If the increase in new vehicle sales will represent the end of December, from 18 to 20% (compared to 2011), the sale of second-hand represent it, more than 25%, or nearly 29%" , says Gilles Lalanne.A trend that can be explained by the fact that customs will not apply the law in all its rigor regarding the carbon tax cars second hand says it. "This then creates an imbalance prices . Whereas some cars should have been taxed, they receive discounts " laments the President MVDA, showing that the association of car dealers have filed a case in court so that the law is applied in all its rigor . "the crisis has not yet affected the automotive sector in Mauritius. Currently selling cars occupies 60% of the market and the second hand, 40%. If the authorities continue to not enforce the law, the situation is likely to reverse the sale of second hand taking precedence over those of the new. And the state will lose a lot of money, " he says, recalling the need to evolve in an environment of fair competition. But if the trend follows its course, MDVA predicts a slowdown in sales of new cars next year. The nine dealers have however a slight boost with the implementation of PRB officials.

Top 12 brands of new cars sold in November 30, 2012

Kia 936 
Hyundai 742 
Nissan 676 
Toyota 478 
BMW 404 
Mercedes 340 
Chevrolet 307 
Suzuki 275 
Honda 246 
Perodua 240 
Peugeot 230

Good performance of the two wheels

The market for two-wheelers, motorcycles and mopeds also rebounded during the year, mainly on the six months of 2012. More than 5,100 units were sold from January to June 4076 against the same range for 2011. Even if it increases, the increase was slower in the second half, with 3966 units recorded. However, over the year, there are over 8500 registered two-wheelers, against 8042 in 2011. If the sale of two-wheelers is doing well and even some dealers have the wind in their sails, unfair competition is blamed. 
sector professionals deplore the announcement effect of the 2012-2013 budget, in the case with regard to the elimination of the 45% excise tax on motorcycles to 200CC. "This announcement lets understand that there is a huge drop in the price of motorcycles, but in the concrete, it n 'there is only one dealer who benefits, being the only selling 200CC motorcycle " says a branch manager specializing in the sale of two-wheelers.  "For other dealers selling two-wheels 250cc for example, since the entry into force of this decline, our stocks have not declined. Even if a buyer has a preference for a brand of motorcycle, with a decrease of 45%, it is clear that choose a vehicle at a lower price at the expense of quality, etc. " , he adds. Dealers hope that changes can be made so that competition is healthy in the sector.