pandemic Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Sanitize your hands as well as your car

vuyi on July 7, 2021

Before the third wave began in earnest, there was a tendency to be more relaxed about the possibility of contracting or spreading the virus. The reality is that we need to maintain high levels of alertness and that includes ensuring our cars are ‘safe spaces.’

As South Africa battles the third wave of COVID-19 infections, individuals and companies need to recommit to policies put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. This means ensuring vehicles are properly sanitized before and after each drive.

Here are some guidelines we should all be following to ensure our safety and that of everyone around us.

Wash and sanitize your hands at every opportunity but if you do not have access to hand-washing facilities, just sanitize them.
If you receive stock or other items, spray or wipe it down with disinfectant.
At the end of your drive, disinfect the vehicle so that either you can start your next trip with a fully sanitized car.
Areas to sanitize include: the door, door handles, dashboard, steering wheel, rear-view mirror, gearstick, handbrake, radio, arm rests, seatbelt, seat, indicator levers, seat levers and even fuel cards.
Wipe down the infotainment system as well but avoid using an alcohol-based cleaner on electronic elements.
Remember to sanitize the exterior of the vehicle: door handles, door frames and the exterior of the boot.
If someone travels with you, do not forget to sanitize upon their exit.
Keep hand sanitizer or wipes in your vehicle.

We should all get into the habit of sanitizing our vehicles and everything that we come in contact with daily. The importance of reducing the spread and impact of the pandemic cannot be over emphasized and we all need to play our part. Start today if you haven’t already begun doing so.

Source: MasterDrive

Challenges and opportunities for recovering new vehicle sales in SA – May 2021

vuyi on June 1, 2021

As the country adapts to adjusted Level 2 lockdown regulations, the impact of the pandemic remains high on the motor industry’s agenda.

A year ago, retailers were resuming sales under Alert Level 4 and the market mustered 12,874 sales during May 2020. One year later and the picture remains subdued, albeit with more stability as the market recovery continues to gain some momentum.

The market continues its slow recovery in the face of several challenges and opportunities
– Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank

According to naamsa, the Automotive Business Council, the new vehicle market sold 38,337 units during May this year. While unfair to compare this against May 2020 (up 197.8%), it is noteworthy that this represents a 7.6% growth over last month’s sales.

“The market continues its slow recovery in the face of several challenges and opportunities,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank. “Interest rates remain at historical lows, providing some of the most affordable finance and consequently opportunities to purchase a new vehicle. However, price inflation against the backdrop of a subdued economy continues to be a barrier for many purchase decisions.”

Compared to a year ago, new vehicle finance agreements through our books are averaging a deal size of R356,313, up 11,2%
– LEBOGANG GAOAKETSE, HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION AT WESBANK

According to the latest Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) released by TransUnion in May, new vehicle prices in South Africa rose at nearly three times the general inflation rate during the first quarter of 2021. “

When measured against WesBank’s average deal size, we can see a similar trend in the amount of finance to access these vehicle purchases,” says Gaoaketse. “Compared to a year ago, new vehicle finance agreements through our books are averaging a deal size of R356,313, up 11,2%, while pre-owned deals average R253,537, an increase of 10,6%.”

Demand for vehicle finance continues to be reassuring, however. “Attractive deals on the showroom floor and a growing need for replacement as that cycle increased over lockdown are contributing towards the market’s recovery,” says Gaoaketse.

While May’s sales growth over April is welcomed, it should be noted that April sales were down on March figures

Supporting this demand, the passenger car segment sold 24,122 units during May, 85,1% of which were retailed through dealers to consumers. Dealer channel sales remain relatively robust and are 41,7% ahead year-to-date, for which retailers will be grateful. This segment was 7,1% ahead of April sales.

The Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) segment sold 11,930 units during May, 10% more than in April, improving the segment’s position significantly. Year-to-date sales in the segment are 68,5% higher than for the same period last year. Dealer channel sales in the segment accounted for 91,4% of sales.

“While May’s sales growth over April is welcomed, it should be noted that April sales were down on March figures,” says Gaoaketse. “This is indicative of the market’s slow recovery, but reassuring, nonetheless. As the industry prepares for the implementation of the Guidelines for Competition in the South African Automotive Aftermarket on 01 July, the motor industry has many opportunities to continue its significant contribution to the South African economy.”