Post Pandemic Supply Challenges Drive Shift in Vehicle Purchasing Behaviour

Loading player...
GUEST: Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa

Vehicle sales in South Africa dropped sharply in the first quarter of 2023 in the face of ongoing vehicle price inflation, declining consumer disposable income and negative consumer and business sentiment. TransUnion Africa figures show the number of financial agreements in the passenger vehicle market in Q1 decreased 12% year-on-year (YoY), with new car sales down 2.6% and used car sales down 17.7%.

What’s more, according to the information and insights provider, macroeconomic indicators suggest that there’s little respite for the embattled auto industry in the short term. Inflation climbed from 6.9% to 7.1% during the quarter, with used vehicle prices increasing from 7.9% to 8.1% in the same period. This trend is unlikely to reverse soon, with the current macroeconomic climate in South Africa of low growth rates, frequent power cuts, and decreasing disposable incomes making consumers and businesses more cautious, said Lee Naik, CEO at TransUnion Africa
16 May 2023 5PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Easter getaway: Five critical insurance checks

For families preparing to travel this weekend, there are a few top actions they should take to ensure their cover is valid. Understanding your obligations is as important as having a policy. We’re joined now by John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual, to unpack the biggest risks…
2 Apr 5PM 8 min

Pivot Point – Ramano on Transforming SA Leadership

For today’s Pivot Point feature, we’re joined by Ms. Tryphosa Ramano for a conversation about leadership, transformation, and the future of South Africa’s financial sector. We celebrate her three‑decade career defined by financial stewardship and a relentless commitment to transformation.
2 Apr 4PM 24 min

SA’s two-pot system sees repeat withdrawals

Since South Africa’s two-pot retirement system went live in September 2024, AlexForbes has now processed and paid more than one million savings-pot withdrawal claims, marking one of the largest operational undertakings in the country’s retirement industry. With more on the story behind the numbers, Vickie Lange, Head of Solutions Enhancement…
2 Apr 4PM 14 min

5 Easter scams to watch out for

RCS says holiday periods create the perfect storm: people are traveling, shopping online, and spending more time on social media—all moments when vigilance naturally drops. The company has identified six major scam types that tend to spike during school holidays, and Audrey Roberts, Customer Operations Executive at RCS, joins us…
2 Apr 4PM 12 min

FNB expects increased Easter spending in 2026

South Africa’s consumer economy is gearing up for a busier Easter period, with FNB forecasting a notable rise in household spending as the long weekend aligns with school holidays. The bank’s Chris Boxall, Head of Card Transact—FNB Card, says travel, food, and general retail are expected to see the biggest…
2 Apr 4PM 9 min