Sales of motorcycles and quads also reflected growth in 2005 and broke the 40 000 unit barrier for the first time since 1983 with a 38,2 per cent increase to 41 662 units.

However, these figures only reflect sales reported through official channels to the Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors (Amid), because, similar to the motor vehicle industry, many importers do not report their sales to the industry body. These sales are also growing significantly as Chinese motorcycles and quads stream into South Africa - some are even being offered for sale in supermarkets!

Officially reported sales of two-wheelers in 2005 closed on 19 872 units, an improvement of 37,6 per cent on the year before. The commercial category was the only one to show a sales decline, going down by 8,7 per cent.

Quads amazingly outsold the two-wheelers by a fair margin in 2005, with 21 790 quads retailed, representing a massive growth of 38,7 per cent over 2004. The recreational category market amounted to 11 399 units - a growth of 42,8 per cent - while the utility category improved by 69,6 per cent to 6 849 units.

The strong market is being attributed to motorcycles and quads being more affordable, thanks to lower interest rates and stable prices. There were even price reductions in some cases where distributors used sales incentives to stay ahead of the competition, but also the very keen pricing on the products from the Chinese newcomers.