Despite the run out of DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz C-Class production, total exports of built-up vehicles from South Africa increased by 4,2 per cent in the first quarter of 2007 compared with the corresponding period in 2006. The replacement model will only go into production in the second half of the year.

Total industry exports for the first three months of 2007 amounted to 40 146 units aided by a 60 per cent growth in exports by Toyota as its Hilux and Fortuner production volumes climbed as the new paint shop came on stream. This resulted in Toyota's share of total exports soaring from 23% to 35%.

The UAE-specification Hilux 3,0 diesel double cab made up the bulk of Toyota's exports at 10 472 units, while Fortuner exports accounted for only 300 units in the quarter.

The other major exporters, BMW and Volkswagen, reported similar figures to those recorded for the first quarter of 2006. BMW's total of 9 563 units was 295 less than the figure a year ago, while Volkswagen's figure of 7 757 was marginally up by 565 units. Ford, the fourth biggest exporter in the first three months of 2007, shipped 91 units more than the 3 507 exported in this period in 2006.

Japan (10 611 units), Australia (7 363), the United Kingdom (2 567) and the United States (2 437) were the major export destinations for South African made vehicles.

Toyota increased its dominance in terms of exports into Africa, with 72% of this market (6 169 units) on a year-to-date basis, as its major competitor, Nissan, dropped in both volume (down 255 units to 1 137) and share (down from 23% to 14%). No other exporter shipped 1 000 units into Africa in this period, which saw overall SA exports into Africa grow by 40% to 8 541 units.

Algeria was the biggest export market in Africa, with all 2 330 units being Hiluxes. Next biggest market was Nigeria (1 440), followed by Zimbabwe (1 106), Angola (635) and Zambia (523).