Mercedes-Benz South Africa is under pressure to back down on its refusal to publish details of monthly sales of cars and commercial vehicles. Its stance has called into question the credibility of South Africa's vehicle sales data, used to gather insights into the state of the economy. BMW South Africa has retaliated by withholding details of its market performance, and other companies have now threatened to follow suit. MBSA has indicated it may change its policy if required to do so by the Department of Trade and Industry. Sources in the department say it wants the carmaker to fall in line with the industry, but there is no sign of imminent action. Local manufacturers and importers are required to report sales of all vehicles each month. Most do so in detail. In each category — cars, light commercial vehicles, medium commercials, heavy commercials, extra-heavy commercials and buses — they show the numbers of each brand and model sold.Some also reveal which market segments vehicles...
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