6-month wait the price of success

Hyundai's iX35 is proving so popular that South African buyers are having to wait for between three and six months for various models.

"Globally the iX35 SUV has been a runaway success and it is having an effect on supplies, not only in South Africa, but also elsewhere," says Jacques Geurtse, marketing manager for Hyundai South Africa.

"We are selling triple the number of iX35s compared to the Tucson model which was replaced by the much sought after SUV, which is a Car of the Year contender in South Africa," says Geurtse.

"The vehicle is proving a very attractive model for female buyers and has won a number of awards recently," he said.

"Depending on the model the buyer wants it can take up to six months to get their vehicle," Geutrse says.

"We have found that many people are prepared to wait this long and have not had any noticeable trend showing them buying other vehicles," he says.

Geurtse says that iX35 has received a Euro NCAP five-star rating, an award that recognises vehicles that have passed rigorous safety testing and come out on top - another global accolade for the brand, following the i20 and i30 compact hatchback.

"This is an important factor for many families who put safety athe top of their priorities when deciding which vehicle to buy," he says.

"We are constantly in touch with Korea about supplies and we are confident that the situation is improving," Geurtse says.

Another company with a long waiting period for some models is Audi South Africa. "We have a shortage of the new A1 and Q5 with a six month waiting period," says Rudi Venter product marketing manager. There is no stock shortage for any other Audi models, says Venter.

Volkswagen do not have any major supply problems.

"We have stock for all our models except the new Touareg and Amarok 120kW Highline.

"There is a six-week delay on the Amarok Highline," says Andile Dlamini VW brand PR manager.

BMW South Africa are also experiencing stock shortages.

"Since late last year, BMW South Africa has faced a minor luxury lag. Worldwide, demand for products such as the BMW X1, 5 Series, X3, X6 and X5 LCI far outstrips supply, says Edward Makwana manager group automotive communications.

"This situation holds true for South Africa as well. Essentially, this means customers may have to wait a bit longer for some products - for example, two to three months," says Makwana.

Eckart Mayer, divisional manager, Mercedes-Benz cars had this to say about availability of stock.

"The waiting period on a select number of models may vary dependant on individual options." Shirley Greig Mercedes-Benz spokesman also said that top-end buyers hardly ever bought a car directly off the showroom floor.

"These buyers are very selective and with our wide range of options they sit down with our consultants and discuss the various options," she said.

"It might take a few months before the German factory is able to deliver the car."

The same scenario applies for buyers of exotic cars such as the Rolls-Royce, Bentley. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Porsche.