insert_link Business / Economics Local Vehicle Sales Dip in August. Domestic Vehicle sales fell 3.7% in August to 1,261 units but remain 26.7% higher than last year. Dealerships dominate with 93% of year-to-date sales, while rental companies mainly support mid-to-premium brands, says Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen. today1 October, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Vehicle Sales Surge in June The local car market saw a sharp rebound in June 2025, posting 1,313 units sold — a 29.9% jump from May and 32.2% higher than June 2024. According to Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen, the strong performance signals rising consumer confidence and an improved economic environment, making it the second-best month for sales this year. today23 July, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics SUV Demand Cushions Slump in Car Sales Passenger vehicle sales saw a sharp 31.2% month-on-month decline in May, though annual figures showed a slight 0.22% uptick. Simonis Storm’s Almandro Jansen attributes the monthly drop to April’s unusually high sales, while noting continued buyer interest driven by favorable credit conditions and demand for smaller SUVs and hatchbacks. today24 June, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics January Vehicle Sales Up Year-on-Year but Drop Monthly Records indicate 966 new vehicle sales in January, a 1.7% increase from January 2024 but a 12.2% decline from December 2024. Economist Almandro Jansen attributes the drop to seasonal trends and post-holiday financial constraints. today25 February, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics European auto chief calls for EU to relax environmental regulations The head of Europe's Automobile Manufacturers' Association has called on the EU to revise its environmental policies. Car makers in Europe currently have until the end of the year to substantially curb emissions or face penalties. But industry leaders fear such action could cause European brands to lose pace with the competition. William Denselow reports from Brussels. today17 January, 2025
insert_link South Africa South African Union Warns of Job Cuts’ Impact on Steel And Auto Industries South African metalworkers union Numsa says ArcelorMittal South Africa’s planned job cuts in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, and Vereeniging, Gauteng, could devastate the steel and auto industries and harm communities. The company intends to cut 35-percent of its workforce, citing structural challenges in its long steel business. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola vows to fight the retrenchments, urging collaboration to protect manufacturing capacity and prevent economic fallout: today7 January, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Strike stops Volkswagen production in Germany Volkswagen assembly lines in Germany have been brought to a standstill after workers launched strike action. VW, Europe's biggest automaker, is facing financial pressures led by falling market share in China. today2 December, 2024
insert_link Namibia Vehicle sales increase by 17% in 2023 New data shows that vehicle sales increased by 17% in 2023 to 12,775 units compared to 10,919 units sold in 2022. This marks the highest total of new vehicles sold in the country since 2017. December 2023 witnessed a downturn, with a year-on-year decline of 11.7% and a month-on-month drop of 28.2%, totaling 841 units. Halleluya Ndimulunde from Simonis and Storm has more. today22 January, 2024
