PIA of Florida Partners with Windhaven to Give Additional Market place Access

The Professional Insurance Agents of Florida and Windhaven Insurance coverage have formed a partnership that provides PIA members a direct appointment to write policies with Windhaven Insurance upon meeting minimal criteria.

The PIA of Florida has added an auto carrier to its Agency Energy-Up Plan, joining with Security First Insurance coverage to give Florida’s professional insurance coverage agents with market place access to serve their customers.

According to Corey Mathews, CEO/executive vice president of PIA of Florida, the Windhaven partnership expands PIA’s access program into the auto market, as auto market access has emerged as a new challenge to agencies throughout Florida. The program is an exclusive advantage of membership in the PIA of Florida, which represents agents all through the state by delivering its members with legislative advocacy, education programs, details and discounted member solutions.

Get Insurance Journal Each and every Day

PIA of Florida Partners with Windhaven to Give Additional Market place Access

PIA of Florida Partners with Windhaven to Offer Extra Market Access

The Specialist Insurance coverage Agents of Florida and Windhaven Insurance coverage have formed a partnership that provides PIA members a direct appointment to create policies with Windhaven Insurance upon meeting minimal criteria.

The PIA of Florida has added an auto carrier to its Agency Power-Up Program, joining with Security First Insurance coverage to give Florida’s expert insurance coverage agents with industry access to serve their buyers.

According to Corey Mathews, CEO/executive vice president of PIA of Florida, the Windhaven partnership expands PIA’s access plan into the auto market, as auto market place access has emerged as a new challenge to agencies all through Florida. The program is an exclusive advantage of membership in the PIA of Florida, which represents agents all through the state by providing its members with legislative advocacy, education programs, information and discounted member services.

Get Insurance coverage Journal Each and every Day

PIA of Florida Partners with Windhaven to Offer Extra Market Access

ThinCats enters the SME lending market

P2P lending is set to be a higher-development region more than the subsequent few years and the highly effective UK organization ThinCats is busily blazing a trail through the Australian P2B – people to enterprise – arena. The ThinCats platform – a initial for SMEs in Australia – hyperlinks wholesale investors to SME borrowers requiring a secured loan of among $ 50,000 and $ 2 million.

CANSTAR caught up with ThinCats Australia CEO and Director, Sunil Aranha, to locate out a tiny much more about the current Australian launch.

Q:  ThinCats is a very successful UK organization brand. What tends to make this the right time to enter the Australian market?

A: The Massive 4 Australian Banks have a 91% market share in the SME lending space – a marketplace of some $ 150 billion – with about $ 70 billion of lending each and every year. Banks are normally unwilling to improve lending even to growing organizations if the borrower does not have sufficient actual estate security to supply as collateral, and in most instances, start-up organizations cannot access any debt finance without a track record of at least 2 years of operation. In this scenario, SME’s unable to access finance to match growth opportunities are limited, and in most instances either do not grow or sooner or later discover themselves in a dire position in search of distress finance.

These are 2 considerable regions of chance for the ThinCats lending platform – to assist borrowers to access growth and start up finance at competitive rates and investors to diversify risk across a number of borrowers, although earning attractive returns on a fixed income asset class, previously the domain of banks. We should clarify that the ThinCats platform is focussed on businesses looking for growth finance only.

Q: What are the widespread organization financing demands of SMEs?

A: Fundamentally, companies each modest and large need to have capital for infrastructure, gear and innovation/R&D (long term capital) and working capital to spend for operational fixed and variable expenses, which boost when companies seek to capture a window of market place chance.

A good management team that has the empathy and understanding of their monetary partners, (banks, non-bank lenders and investors) are able to access finance at the right time to grow. These demands have remained the very same more than time and in most situations SME’s have had to resort to finance from loved ones and friends by way of each equity and high priced debt in order to capture business chance and develop. However in many situations the business simply does not grow if the bank says no.

Every single business, depending on the business, might call for a various mix of extended-term and operating capital finance and will have a differing threat profile with variances in earnings and margins and financial/marketplace conditions, however the basic demands are the same. In Australia there is a properly-recognised gap among the finance requirements of SME’s and what financing they can access from the banks.

Q: On the other side of the coin, lenders seem increasingly willing to invest by means of P2P and P2B platforms  - what is the attraction?

A: The exclusive proposition of P2B lending, such as with the ThinCats platform, is that lenders (currently sophisticated high net worth investors and their self-managed super funds) can access a fixed income asset class with eye-catching rates of return (currently upwards of 11% pa), even though lending on a secured basis to a large number of SME’s.

All loan applications are vetted and listed for auction on the platform by “Sponsors” (special to the ThinCats model). Lenders can decide on individual deals they wish to lend to and can bid multiples of a minimum bid of $ 1,000 per loan. In the current industry with low interest prices on fixed earnings assets, P2B lending can be eye-catching to lenders wishing to diversify and balance their portfolios – attaining rates of returns that are comparable with investments of a equivalent danger profile.

Q:  Finally, P2P lending would seem to be a prime instance of digital disruption. What tends to make individual and business lending a great target for disruption?

A: P2P Platforms use sophisticated application, risk and communications technologies to minimize borrowing fees and deliver desirable returns to lenders, efficiently cutting out the (banks) middleman.

In the US, Lending Club the most profitable P2P player, not too long ago valued at $ US7.6 billion following their IPO late last year, have established a capability to disrupt the conventional banking models in the unsecured lending space reducing borrowing costs to low danger borrowers on unsecured individual loans by far more than 300 basis points (with lower infrastructure fees than a bank), even though delivering prices of returns to lenders exceeding 10%.

Default rates are also substantially reduced than the banks as new technology and access to large data have enabled a lot more sophisticated credit algorithms to selection loans and provide low default prices, about 200 basis points decrease than the significant banks operating in the US credit card space.

In P2B lending the ThinCats model differs from P2P lenders, getting primarily a relationship based model, evaluating each and every loan and borrower separately on a loan-by-loan basis (whilst P2P lenders group loans into designated high threat to low danger categories) and offering loans upwards of $ 50,000 and typical of $ 250,000 whilst the sweet spot for P2P lenders is far decrease. Nonetheless the default prices for ThinCats UK, which has been in operation considering that 2011, are comparable to each the banks in Australia and the international p2p players at about 2% (as at December 2014).

Please visit our website www.thincats.com.au for particulars on how the platform performs and info for lenders, borrowers and alliances.

ThinCats enters the SME lending market

Are you in the market place for a new ‘15’ plate vehicle?

We’re fast approaching the release of new ‘15’ registration plates on March 1.

Will this be a trigger for you to purchase a brand-new car, or take benefit of the industry for ‘new’ secondhand models that swells each and every spring?

Bumper sales

If 2014 is anything to go by, Brits have lots of appetite for a new set of wheels.

New auto registrations hit a 10-year high of practically 2.5 million last year, the most in any calendar year given that 2004.

There have been a bumper 2,476,435 new auto registrations in 2014, 9.3% a lot more than the preceding year. In reality, only 2002, 2003 and 2004 recorded larger numbers.

Creating large ends meet

The figures have no doubt spread joy to car showrooms across the nation, and will have whetted salesmen’s appetites for the season to come.

But can we afford to splash the money on a new automobile? Certainly households are struggling to make ends meet?

Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, the motor sector association, thinks the improve in sales was fuelled by a development in customer self-assurance.

He says: “UK new auto registrations returned to pre-recession levels in 2014, as pent-up demand from the recession years combined with self-assurance in the economy saw consumer demand for the latest models develop regularly and strongly.”

Ford ahead

Last year’s very best sellers won’t come as any surprise. The Ford Fiesta is top of the table with 131,254, some way ahead of the Ford Concentrate in second place with 85,140.

The Vauxhall Corsa is subsequent in line at 81,783, followed by the Volkswagen Golf at 73,880. In fifth place comes the Vauxhall Astra with 59,689.

Operating in

Buyers may possibly be a lot more confident, but the demand for little automobiles with decrease operating expenses suggests they still count the pennies when getting a automobile.

Minis and superminis now account for about 40% of the new car market place, with numerous buyers impressed by the security and comfort levels on offer in a modest automobile.

Alternator alternatives

Automobiles that run on alternative fuel are also gaining in reputation. Again, our interest is partly driven by the economics of ultra low emissions.

Registrations of plug-in automobiles, for instance, enhanced 4-fold from 3,586 in 2013 to 14,498 in 2014.

There is also now a wider variety and greater awareness of low emission automobiles, so they are seen as a credible and viable option to a regular car.

Model behaviour

Consumers have a decision of much more than 20 models, compared with just 6 in 2011. They come in all shapes and sizes, also, like hatchbacks, SUVs and coupés.

They are undoubtedly no longer niche autos, as every of the 10 very best-promoting brands in the UK has an ultra low emission car in its range.

A range of new plug-in models are due on the forecourts this year. The SMMT as a result expects the sector to continue to expand, though it nevertheless accounts for only a tiny percentage of total sales.

Sense of objective

Car purchases are not all about cost cutting and fuel economy. There is also a expanding trend for dual and multi goal autos, such as 4x4s. These large gas guzzlers now account for nearly 20% of the marketplace.

The UK kept its position as the second biggest industry in the EU, behind Germany.

It also came second in the EU development tables for 2014, pipped to the post by Spain, mainly thanks to a scrappage scheme.

Auction stations

It’s not just the new auto sector that’s powering ahead. The typical value of a employed automobile also went up in December 2014 to the second highest on record, according to information from British Automobile Auctions (BCA).

The average value across all varieties of used auto rose by 5.7% in December, or £434.

The shortage of very good high quality utilised vehicles helped to push up costs and Simon Henstock, BCA’s UK Operations Director, is optimistic about the future.

He says: “The early days of trading in 2015 have been exceptionally busy and with the new plate on March 1st only weeks away, we are getting into one of busiest periods for the motor trade.”

Are you in the market place for a new ‘15’ plate vehicle?

33 Years of consecutive market leadership for Toyota

• Celebrating increased market leadership


• Hilux the country’;s top selling vehicle for 2014


• Top brand in vehicle sales for 12 consecutive months in 2014

;

FULL YEAR ANALYSIS:

Market segment	2013 Full Year	2014 Full Year	% change
Passenger vehicles	450,296	439,179	-2.5%
Light commercial vehicles	167,996	173,790	3.4%
Medium commercial vehicles	11,584	11,021	-4.9%
Heavy commercial vehicles	4,692	4,765	1.6%
Extra Heavy commercial vehicles	8,619	9,490	10.1%
Bus	757	1,021	34.9%
Vehicle exports	276,404	276,874	0.2%
Overall local market (excluding exports)	649,216	644,216	-0.7%

;

MONTHLY (DECEMBER) ANALYSIS:

Market segment	Dec 2013	Dec 2014	% change
Passenger vehicles	32,853	35,924	9.3%
Light commercial vehicles	11,301	12,965	14.7%
Medium commercial vehicles	948	1,005	6%
Heavy commercial vehicles	464	436	-6%
Extra Heavy commercial vehicles	478	621	29.9%
Bus	52	99	90.4%
Vehicle exports	22,190	21,833	-1.6%
Overall local market (excluding exports)	46,482	51,461	10.7%

;

;

Toyota South Africa Motors signed off an incredibly successful 2014, cementing its dominance as market leader in South Africa for the 35^th consecutive year with 127,534 Toyota products finding a home during last year. This translates to a 19.8% market share in a market that showed great resilience, albeit with a slight year on year decline, totalling annual sales of 644,523 units. This is the 4th consecutive year that Toyota improves its market share. Toyota was also the number one brand in vehicle sales every month in 2014.

The year’;s star performance came from the company’;s evergreen Hilux which continued its dominance in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market segment, logging 37,561 units for the year; 8,829 units more than its closest competitor in the bakkie market. This makes Hilux not only the top-selling bakkie in the country, but also the top-selling vehicle overall for 2014 across all segments.

From a passenger segment perspective, Toyota has shown positive growth increasing its share in this segment to 15.5% — this is on the back of the introduction of new generation Corolla (9,893 units sold since March introduction) and the Corolla Quest (7,976 units sold since May introduction); as well as the affordable Etios which recorded exceptional sales of 17,835 units during 2014.

Other top performers in the company’;s stable include Fortuner, which leads sales in the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment with consistent monthly sales in the excess of 600 units and total sales for the year at 10,088 units. In similar vein, the company’;s smaller all-wheel drive RAV4 performed exceptionally well with 5,012 units sold during 2014; while the Quantum clearly remains a top favourite with 14,369 units sold.

Moving onto the heavy weights Toyota’;s truck brand, Hino, retained its third position overall with a total of 3,844 units sold – this follows record sales months in March (425 units sold) and August (455 units sold) and the opening of a new R55-million Hino plant in Prospecton during May. Hino’;s achieved its best December sales to date with 356 units sold over the Festive period.

Says Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa, Calvyn Hamman: “We are incredibly proud of the company’;s achievements during quite a tough 2014 – to celebrate 35 years of consecutive market leadership is indeed an amazing performance and we wish to thank our customers and dealers for their faith in our brand.

“Strong customer demand through our dealer ne2rk has led to an increase of 3.2% of Toyota sales through this channel, underlining the importance of a strong dealership footprint in the country,” says Hamman.

“We enjoyed a successful December with dealers pushing hard to achieve over 10,000 units sold and Hilux performing particularly strong, reclaiming its spot as top seller in the LCV segment with 3,343 units sold,” he says. Toyota’;s December sales represent 20,1% market share (10,372 units); while its contribution to the export market tallies up to 5,319 units (24.3%)

“While 2014 sales certainly proved the market’;s resilience, conditions were tough with 2 interest rate hikes and above average price increases on new vehicles,” says Hamman, adding that economic pressures leads to cautious and conservative consumer sentiment.

“However, we are excited about the 2015 prospects and believe the good news of a hefty fuel price reduction as early as this week bodes well for a positive new year. However, we will be watching developments around changes in company car taxation and potential interest rate increases toward the latter part of the year with interest as these factors could impact domestic sales,” he concludes.

33 Years of consecutive market leadership for Toyota

When will our share market place increase?

It’s practically 6 years since Australia’s sharemarket hit a record higher and the query posed on my News Corp Gen Y column this week asked when I believed it would get back there.

We love records. Utilizing the Olympics as an analogy, an occasion can be a bit of an anti-climax for some viewers if it does not involve a new Olympic record getting set. Forget the truth that each single athlete turned in a stellar functionality and neglect the reality that the prior record could have been set by a person employing banned substances. We nevertheless anticipate new records each 4 years. The sharemarket is much the very same: in spite of different “crashes” its lengthy-term annual performance remains stellar. It’s just not quite reaching the steroid-fuelled heights of 2007 but.

The heights that the sharemarket reached in November 2007, when the S&P/ASX 200 peaked at just more than 6,800, had been irrational. So was the 2009 low of 3,120 points. That is simple to say in retrospect, of course, but anybody following a lengthy-term chart would have created the same conclusion. And if you do want to have a appear at a chart, Google my favourite one particular, the Vanguard 30-year index chart (which is issued each year).

I do not know when the sharemarket will reach its 2007 highs. I’m content to go out on a limb and predict 2018, but that is basically primarily based on charting a logical line across the previous 30-year typical. What I do know although is that the sharemarket will continue to grow, albeit with some short-term hiccups, since the organizations listed on our stock exchange produce goods and services that we consume every day. We’re not about to stop consuming. We’re also not about to stop producing superannuation contributions – a fair proportion of which finds its way into the sharemarket. So relax. More than the long-term, you’ll possibly be okay.

When will our share market place increase?

Reform of automobile insurance coverage market place announced

Regulators have announced plans to enhance competition among automobile insurance providers, which must result in cheaper cover for motorists.

Regulators have announced plans to boost competition among auto insurance providers, which need to result in cheaper cover for motorists.

The measures incorporate:

• far better information for buyers on the costs and rewards of no-claims bonus protection.


• a recommendation that the market regulator, the Monetary Conduct Authority (FCA), appears at how insurers inform customers about add-ons to automobile insurance policies.


• a ban on agreements amongst cost comparison websites and insurers which quit insurers selling policies for less on other online websites. 

These measures had been announced on Wednesday by government physique the Competitors and Markets Authority (CMA).

This follows a 2-year investigation into the vehicle insurance coverage marketplace to see how it could operate better for motorists.  

Elevated competitors ‘will benefit motorists’;

Alasdair Smith of the CMA mentioned: “There are more than 25 million privately registered vehicles in the UK.

“We feel these changes will advantage motorists who are presently paying higher premiums as a outcome of the difficulties we’;ve discovered.”

He said that price tag comparison internet sites such as Confused.com “definitely support motorists appear for the greatest deal, and this in turn has led insurers to compete a lot more intensely”.

But he added that there could be improvements in the way such internet sites operate.

Value comparison web site improvements

One of these improvements is the ban on agreements in between cost comparison internet sites and insurers which avoid insurers selling policies for less on rival comparison internet sites.

Confused.com does not have any such agreements with insurers in place.

Steve Sanders, finance director at Confused.com, mentioned: “The news that the CMA has banned such agreements amongst value comparison websites and insurers is welcomed by Confused.com. 

“This ruling will allow us to supply better rates for the same cover to even much more clients. 

“Here at Confused.com, we want to be capable to negotiate the very best offers we can with automobile insurance coverage providers and in turn pass those savings on to consumers. 

“We will continue to operate with insurance coverage providers to ensure we give our clients the greatest achievable service and value for their insurance demands, while remaining competitive.”

2-year investigation

This investigation into the vehicle insurance marketplace started in 2012.

This was when the Workplace of Fair Trading (OFT) decided to refer insurers to the Competition Commission after its personal study identified that insurers were taking benefit of motorists.

The CMA took more than the investigation from the Competitors Commission in April 2014.

The OFT identified that many insurers have been inflating the cost of repairs and replacement automobiles when 1 of their consumers had been involved in a automobile accident which was not their fault.

Nonetheless, the CMA investigation located that this was not as big a dilemma as previously imagined.

Alasdair Smith of the CMA added that the government body was nonetheless now looking at approaches to preserve the charges related with courtesy automobiles as low as attainable.

Evaluate automobile insurance – you could find a great deal in minutes Get a auto insurance coverage quote

Reform of automobile insurance coverage market place announced

Carmony Rebrands for Larger Piece of the Utilized Auto Market place

Carmony has just undergone a makeover. Its new rebrand is set to attract more customers and get its name out there on a larger scale to compete in the competitive used car market. Established in 2008, it is one of the UK’s largest leading approved car websites available. It specializes in selling used vehicles from franchised dealers. Their aim is to keep the car search simple and fuss free so people can identify the right cars for their lifestyle without having to spend too long doing it. With its specialized search tools, customers can put in exactly what they are looking for in a car, the budget they have and whether they want it new or used. The site also provides news updates alongside reviews and events from the world of motoring so that all visitors to the site are kept up to date. The site is run and owned by Manheim Europe.

What is great about this site is that it really does make your search that bit easier. You can locate the nearest vehicles to you that come under the specifications you have asked for, as well as being able to dictate the price range and type of car you want based around your lifestyle. Carmony’s re-brand has focused upon shifting towards more premium cars in the used car market, ultimately giving people a larger range of cars to choose from and also tapping into a niche they haven’t yet fully explored. These new premium cars will be at a price of above £25,000 and will consist of models such as Audi and Lexus. This is a great area for Carmony to expand into as it will draw in more customers and also create something else that they can say they offer their customers.

The Carmony site offers a wide variety of cars, so it can be hard for customer’s to know whether they can trust the site or not, especially if they are using it for the first time. All the cars for sale through Carmony are dealer approved so you don’t need to worry about purchasing a vehicle that lets you down once you have received it. You can get in touch with the dealers directly so viewing the vehicle and taking it out for a test drive is available to you if you want it. This is always recommended and Carmony support this as they only want the best for their customers.

They also have a reduced car section, as well as sections for new cars, nearly new cars or used cars, as well as a location finder so you can find the best vehicles nearest to you and receive the best deal. The website is clear and first buyer friendly, making it your first port of call if you are looking at getting a different car. Many wonder whether, with so many other online car dealers like it (such as Autotrader) is there enough room for another one? Carmony’s re-brand speaks wonders against other car dealers – it’s less complicated and easy on the eye.

Carmony Rebrands for Larger Piece of the Utilized Auto Market place

Toyota retains market leadership with July vehicle sales in South Africa

Market segment	Jul 2013	Jul 2014	% change
Passenger vehicles	39,945	40,368	-1%
Light commercial vehicles	15,393	15,081	-2%
Medium commercial vehicles	984	856	-13%
Heavy commercial vehicles	511	421	-17.6%
Extra Heavy commercial vehicles	1,228	1,265	3%
Bus	82	102	24.4%
Vehicle exports	27,137	22,773	-16.10%
Overall market (local)	58,561	57,670	-1.5%

Toyota South Africa retained its market share leadership position with 11,347 new Toyota vehicles finding a home during July – this attributes to 19.68% of the 57,670 total units sold in South Africa. On the export front, Toyota  contributed 4,387 units which translates to 19.2% share of the total export market of 22,773 units.

From a range performance perspective, Toyota’s evergreen Hilux continues to lead the way amongst Light Commercial vehicles with 3,117 units sold; while the Corolla/Auris/Quest combo tallied up 2,134 sales in the Passenger vehicle segment. With the introduction of the all-new cross-over to the Toyota stable, the Etios Cross, Etios sales hiked up to 1,618 units.

The Extra Heavy Commercial vehicle market is still in a positive growth phase driven by Fleet replacement cycles transportation needs and the lack of alternative transportation means.

“For a second month in a row, the domestic all vehicle market showed resilience with only a modest decline of 1.5% in overall sales compared to July 2013. Major new model launches contributed also to strong sales” says Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa.

“Based on the last 2 month’s figures and resilience shown by the market, I believe the industry forecast of 630,000 units for the year remains feasible despite continued economic pressures, fluctuating exchange rates and interest rate hikes.”

“Consumers will continue to be wary of incurring new debt.  Negative sentiment due to strikes,economic confidence, international instability, interest rate movements and price increases are all factors influencing buying decisions.  Continued growth in the smaller passenger car segment as well as used car market shows that affordability remains key for South African customers,” he concludes.

;

Toyota retains market leadership with July vehicle sales in South Africa

Toyota retains market leadership with July vehicle sales in South Africa

Market segment	Jul 2013	Jul 2014	% change
Passenger vehicles	39,945	40,368	-1%
Light commercial vehicles	15,393	15,081	-2%
Medium commercial vehicles	984	856	-13%
Heavy commercial vehicles	511	421	-17.6%
Extra Heavy commercial vehicles	1,228	1,265	3%
Bus	82	102	24.4%
Vehicle exports	27,137	22,773	-16.10%
Overall market (local)	58,561	57,670	-1.5%

Toyota South Africa retained its market share leadership position with 11,347 new Toyota vehicles finding a home during July – this attributes to 19.68% of the 57,670 total units sold in South Africa. On the export front, Toyota  contributed 4,387 units which translates to 19.2% share of the total export market of 22,773 units.

From a range performance perspective, Toyota’s evergreen Hilux continues to lead the way amongst Light Commercial vehicles with 3,117 units sold; while the Corolla/Auris/Quest combo tallied up 2,134 sales in the Passenger vehicle segment. With the introduction of the all-new cross-over to the Toyota stable, the Etios Cross, Etios sales hiked up to 1,618 units.

The Extra Heavy Commercial vehicle market is still in a positive growth phase driven by Fleet replacement cycles transportation needs and the lack of alternative transportation means.

“For a second month in a row, the domestic all vehicle market showed resilience with only a modest decline of 1.5% in overall sales compared to July 2013. Major new model launches contributed also to strong sales” says Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa.

“Based on the last 2 month’s figures and resilience shown by the market, I believe the industry forecast of 630,000 units for the year remains feasible despite continued economic pressures, fluctuating exchange rates and interest rate hikes.”

“Consumers will continue to be wary of incurring new debt.  Negative sentiment due to strikes,economic confidence, international instability, interest rate movements and price increases are all factors influencing buying decisions.  Continued growth in the smaller passenger car segment as well as used car market shows that affordability remains key for South African customers,” he concludes.

;

Toyota retains market leadership with July vehicle sales in South Africa

Toyota retains market leadership with July vehicle sales in South Africa

Market segment	Jul 2013	Jul 2014	% change
Passenger vehicles	39,945	40,368	-1%
Light commercial vehicles	15,393	15,081	-2%
Medium commercial vehicles	984	856	-13%
Heavy commercial vehicles	511	421	-17.6%
Extra Heavy commercial vehicles	1,228	1,265	3%
Bus	82	102	24.4%
Vehicle exports	27,137	22,773	-16.10%
Overall market (local)	58,561	57,670	-1.5%

Toyota South Africa retained its market share leadership position with 11,347 new Toyota vehicles finding a home during July – this attributes to 19.68% of the 57,670 total units sold in South Africa. On the export front, Toyota  contributed 4,387 units which translates to 19.2% share of the total export market of 22,773 units.

From a range performance perspective, Toyota’s evergreen Hilux continues to lead the way amongst Light Commercial vehicles with 3,117 units sold; while the Corolla/Auris/Quest combo tallied up 2,134 sales in the Passenger vehicle segment. With the introduction of the all-new cross-over to the Toyota stable, the Etios Cross, Etios sales hiked up to 1,618 units.

The Extra Heavy Commercial vehicle market is still in a positive growth phase driven by Fleet replacement cycles transportation needs and the lack of alternative transportation means.

“For a second month in a row, the domestic all vehicle market showed resilience with only a modest decline of 1.5% in overall sales compared to July 2013. Major new model launches contributed also to strong sales” says Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa.

“Based on the last 2 month’s figures and resilience shown by the market, I believe the industry forecast of 630,000 units for the year remains feasible despite continued economic pressures, fluctuating exchange rates and interest rate hikes.”

“Consumers will continue to be wary of incurring new debt.  Negative sentiment due to strikes,economic confidence, international instability, interest rate movements and price increases are all factors influencing buying decisions.  Continued growth in the smaller passenger car segment as well as used car market shows that affordability remains key for South African customers,” he concludes.

;

Toyota retains market leadership with July vehicle sales in South Africa

Toyota retains market leadership with July vehicle sales in South Africa

Market segment	Jul 2013	Jul 2014	% change
Passenger vehicles	39,945	40,368	-1%
Light commercial vehicles	15,393	15,081	-2%
Medium commercial vehicles	984	856	-13%
Heavy commercial vehicles	511	421	-17.6%
Extra Heavy commercial vehicles	1,228	1,265	3%
Bus	82	102	24.4%
Vehicle exports	27,137	22,773	-16.10%
Overall market (local)	58,561	57,670	-1.5%

Toyota South Africa retained its market share leadership position with 11,347 new Toyota vehicles finding a home during July – this attributes to 19.68% of the 57,670 total units sold in South Africa. On the export front, Toyota  contributed 4,387 units which translates to 19.2% share of the total export market of 22,773 units.

From a range performance perspective, Toyota’s evergreen Hilux continues to lead the way amongst Light Commercial vehicles with 3,117 units sold; while the Corolla/Auris/Quest combo tallied up 2,134 sales in the Passenger vehicle segment. With the introduction of the all-new cross-over to the Toyota stable, the Etios Cross, Etios sales hiked up to 1,618 units.

The Extra Heavy Commercial vehicle market is still in a positive growth phase driven by Fleet replacement cycles transportation needs and the lack of alternative transportation means.

“For a second month in a row, the domestic all vehicle market showed resilience with only a modest decline of 1.5% in overall sales compared to July 2013. Major new model launches contributed also to strong sales” says Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa.

“Based on the last 2 month’s figures and resilience shown by the market, I believe the industry forecast of 630,000 units for the year remains feasible despite continued economic pressures, fluctuating exchange rates and interest rate hikes.”

“Consumers will continue to be wary of incurring new debt.  Negative sentiment due to strikes,economic confidence, international instability, interest rate movements and price increases are all factors influencing buying decisions.  Continued growth in the smaller passenger car segment as well as used car market shows that affordability remains key for South African customers,” he concludes.

;

Toyota retains market leadership with July vehicle sales in South Africa

Light and commercial vehicle market adopting a cautious ‘wait and see’ attitude to new purchases

Steven Barker, Head of Secured Lending at Standard Bank

While the Reserve Bank remains confident that the economy is unlikely to fall into a recession, the possibility that South Africa could slide into a recession if a second quarter of negative economic activity is recorded, will impact on the sales of light and commercial vehicles alike, says Standard Bank.

The increasing pressure on the automotive sector has been particularly felt in the sales of new vehicles, says Steven Barker, Head of Secured Lending at Standard Bank. This has been apparent in the slowdown of credit growth within households, to its lowest level since November 2012 when it stood at a high of 10.4%. In April this dropped to only 4.6%.

Commercial vehicle sales are also under pressure across all categories. Fleets are getting older as replacement cycles are lengthened, and this has resulted in rapidly increased vehicle maintenance costs. Fierce competition for loads between transport operators is also leading to reduced profit margins, placing further stress on the sector.

When considering that fuel costs have increased considerably and continue to fluctuate, insurance premiums are up, and wear and tear increases as vehicles exceed their replacement cycles, and their values depreciate, the pressures within the commercial sector become obvious.”

“It was therefore no surprise that recent sales figures revealed that during May, domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses continued to decline year on year by 5.1% to 13866 units, although in comparison to April of the same year, we have seen a marginal increase in the number of units sold. Sales of medium commercial vehicles, at 752 units continued to dropped 14.4% year on year whilst new heavy trucks and bus sales increased by 4.3% to 1785 units.

“Vehicle Exports continue to show a sharp decline year on year at 40.5% with a total of 15613 units, some 10000 less units than May 2013. Expectations of increased exports rest heavily on an improved production in the second quarter and an introduction of another vehicle for the export market” Barker says.

With inflation creeping past the 6% ‘comfort level’ set by the Reserve Bank, many potential car and commercial vehicle buyers could also be delaying purchasing decisions, says Mr Barker.

“There was a welcome respite last month when the Reserve Bank decided not to increase the base prime interest rate-despite many predictions to the contrary.”

It can be expected, however, that rates are on their way up. More cautious vehicle buyers will consider this and the impact it could have on mortgages and other financial commitments. On the other hand, many buyers will stay in the market and either ‘buy down’ or look to acquire a pre-owned vehicle in the belief that buying now could pre-empt further increases later in 2014 and early in 2015.”

“A bright spot in an otherwise subdued outlook for the remainder of the year is that exports of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class are expected to begin in July. This could see volumes of exports increasing and a recovery in export sales in the second half of 2014.”

Although various authoritative sources within the industry expect either a decline (Naamsa 3, 5%) in new car sales, there is consensus that the second-hand car market will show significant growth in the personal market.

“The value of sales in this arena will be bolstered by the number of low mileage vehicles that come on the market with portions of service and maintenance contracts intact. This sector will be made more attractive by expected subdued economic growth. Further price increases for new vehicles will be above the inflation rate due to pressure on the rand and interest rates.

“Whilst businesses are under strain, we urge business owners to weigh up the increased costs of servicing older fleets plus the increased down-time on your business versus purchasing new vehicles. When your maintenance costs out way the cost of a new vehicle, then the obvious choice of replacing becomes financially sound”

“Many will regard the purchase of a new vehicle at this stage of the year as a way of staying in the market, and will attempt to stabilise their motoring costs by defining their budgets and holding them at a set level. Mechanisms like balloon payments, no deposits, as well as competition amongst finance houses will undoubtedly assist these decisions.”

“Other buyers will purchase down to stay with their favourite car brand, with the belief that we have weathered recessions before, and that economic downturns are cyclical events. They will rationalise that where there is a downturn there must be an upturn, and that the purchase of a new vehicle should be seen in this light,” says Mr Barker.

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

;

Light and commercial vehicle market adopting a cautious ‘wait and see’ attitude to new purchases

Time to overhaul the haulage market?

HGVs are the backbone of the economy, transporting everything from car components to cattle across the UK and beyond to support preserve industry afloat.

On the downside, the quantity of CO2 they spew into the atmosphere means they’re not doing much for the environment – so while they’re something we can not at the moment live with out, they’re fast becoming anything we cannot exactly reside with either.

And despite the fact that EU transport ministers are thinking about plans to make all HGVs safer and much more fuel effective, the haulage sector is one that is notoriously opposed to any sort of adjust, even modify for the much better – so is there something we can do to remedy the issue?

HGV headache

Travel along any stretch of motorway, at any provided time and on any given day, and there’s a great opportunity you will see at least 1 lorry along the way.

Regardless of this apparent ubiquity, though, HGVs account for just 3% of cars on UK roads.

The problems is, they in fact account for 25% of road transport CO2 emissions.

To make matters worse, HGVs are also involved in 15% of road deaths. European Environment Agency figures estimate that health expenses connected with lorry pollution are about €45 billion (£36.5 billion) a year.

Load of hot air?

So what is getting completed about it?

Not a lot, truly. Fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions levels have remained the very same for the ideal portion of the last 2 decades, while safety standards are miles behind the Euro NCAP ratings that automobile companies should meet.

And the longer EU transport ministers mull over regardless of whether to approve changing the design and style rules for lorry cabins to make them safer and a lot more fuel effective, the a lot more the sector and makers seem determined to dig their heels in.

Preserve on truckin’

There are plans afoot in Europe to quickly push by way of legislation that will enable companies more flexibility when designing and creating trucks – they’re at the moment hamstrung by rules on dimensions that restrict design to the present box-like, cab-over-engine trucks at present on the roads – but some nations want this delayed.

It is a fact that cabs could be made to be far more aerodynamic, much more fuel effective, much more comfortable for drivers, have a crumple zone and, crucially, make confident cyclists and pedestrians aren’t dragged under the wheels in a collision.

But nations such as France and Sweden want this legislation to be delayed by 13 years to shield national manufacturers Renault and Volvo, who they really feel could be swiftly taken more than by competitors who are greater placed to implement the changes.

That is like Apple asking for a ban on smartwatches until they get their plans sorted, just in case Samsung and other manufacturers steal a march on them.

The road ahead

The true kicker, although, is that this legislation won’t even force alter upon makers, it’ll just give them the space to make the changes if they want to.

But it appears like this enabling law will not come into force for at least 8 years – 3 years for it be transposed into national law followed by a 5-year delay for… nicely, that’s anyone’s guess.

And a large hello to all you truckers out there…

Ford Sees Prospective Market place for Solar Automobile | Edmunds.com

Published: 05/30/2014  – by John O’;Dell, Senior Editor

• 
  
  
  
  

  Ford C-Max Solar Power Notion Image

  
  

  Ford’;s solar-roofed C-Max Energi notion is far more than just a notion now. | May possibly 30, 2014 | Ford Motor Organization

  
  
  
  

Just the Details:

• Ford’;s solar-roofed C-Max Energi concept is much more than just a notion now.


• A lot of R&D nevertheless wants to be accomplished, but improvements in solar panel efficiency and the higher price tag of gasoline may possibly help the economics pencil out, says Ford’;s electric auto chief.


• Ford is functioning with power utilities to decide the very best techniques to use solar-made electrical energy from a car to assist manage the national power grid.

IRVIVE, California — You’;d by no means want to place this auto where the sun does not shine. Ford Motor Co. says it can make a case for future production of plug-in hybrid and battery electric cars that get at least part of their charge from Old Sol.

The automaker, which has about 11 % of the marketplace for plug-in automobiles, says that advances in solar panel efficiency and continuing high costs for gasoline, along with federal specifications for ever-enhancing fuel efficiency assist make a case for cars that can charge for free for the duration of the day.

Ford showed a idea version at the International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year: a Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid with 2 lightweight solar panels on its roof and a sunlight-intensifying parking structure to magnify the solar rays obtaining to these panels.

But in a briefing session Thursday at the company’;s Southern California sophisticated style studio, Ford’;s director of vehicle electrification said factors have gone beyond the idea stage.

“Solar panels had been 1.5 percent to 2 percent efficient in the mid-1970s, and now they are 21 % efficient” at converting sunshine to electrical energy, said EV chief Michael Tinskey. “And their cost has fallen from $ 77 per watt of energy output to about 74 cents per watt.”

He would not give price figures for the C-Max rooftop program, but stated that the savings from generating up to 2 kilowatt-hours of energy every day from the sun, excellent for about 5 miles of travel in a C-Max, could make such a system economically feasible. Electrical energy these days is averaging about 20 cents a kilowatt throughout peak periods and gasoline is in the $ 3.75-$ 4.00 per gallon variety.

Testing, which has been going on considering that ahead of the idea version was unveiled in January, “shows us that the idea performs,” mentioned Tinskey. “But a lot much more development still has to be completed” prior to a production auto could be launched.

Amongst other items, he stated, the rooftop panels would require to be better integrated into the auto for improved aerodynamics. “We have to function on every little thing from heat management to how to handle vehicle washes,” he mentioned.

Furthermore, Ford is working with power utilities to decide the greatest techniques to use solar-made electricity from a auto to aid manage the national energy grid.

The automaker also demands to seek the cooperation of organizations and public agencies for installation of the solar “concentrator” parking structure that would help each solar auto maximize its time in the sun. Such structures wouldn’;t be practical in most private houses but could easily be installed in outdoor parking lots at workplaces, buying centers, schools and other public facilities.

Edmunds says: Solar vehicles could operate effectively in sunny states, but may well not be really so popular in the northern climes. And exactly where would all these California and Hawaiian surfers put their boards? There are no roof racks on a solar car.

Ford Sees Prospective Market place for Solar Automobile | Edmunds.com