| << 1975 | 1977 >> |
Like in 1975, the same three sedan models namely the Mini de Luxe, Mini Clubman (both 1100 c.c.) and the Mini Clubman GTS (1275 c.c) and the Leyland Minivan (998 c.c.) were available to the South African public. It seemed that Leyland has firmly entrenched their strategy of product rationalization.
The first across the range price increase came in July when the price of the Mini de Luxe increased by R 95 to R 2495, the Mini Clubman by R 140 to R 2685 and the Mini Clubman GTS by R 185 to R 3175. This was followed by another across the range price increase in October when the price of the Mini de Luxe increased by another R 75 to R 2570, the Mini Clubman by R 80 to R 2765 and the Mini Clubman GTS by R 95 to R 3270. This represents an annual price increase in 1976 of 7% for the Mini de Luxe, 8,6% for the Mini Clubman and 9,4% for the Mini Clubman GTS. The Leyland Minivan’s price increased three times during 1976 by a total of R210 to R 2275 in December 1976, which represents an annual price increase of 10,2%.
To put these prices in better perspective, the Mini de Luxe model maintained its status as the cheapest car on the South Africa market (its closest contenders were the Mini Clubman followed by the Volkswagen Beetle 1300 at R 190 and R 290 respectively more). The most expensive car was the Mercedes-Benz 350 SE Automatic V8 at R 16 630, followed by the Jaguar Executive at R 15 300 while the top of the range Ford products, the Ford Fairlane 500 Automatic cost R 8542, the top of the range Chevrolet products, the Caprice Classic Automatic cost R 11 970, the top of the range of Chrysler products, the Chrysler SE Automatic cost R 9375, the Citroen Pallas cost R6275 and a Volkswagen 1300 Beetle cost R 2885.
Leyland Minis (all models) were 18th on the best seller list (2 places better than in 1975) with a total of 3738 units. (1st position was held by the Datsun Y Series with 13 513 units). According to the Auto Data Digest, 1467 Mini de Luxe 1100 c.c.units, 1506 Clubman 1100 c.c.units and 765 Leyland Mini GTS units were sold in 1976. Mini sales represented 2,0% of the market.
The Leyland Minivan was 38th on the best seller list with a total of 334 units (1st position was held by Toyota Hi-Lux LDVs with 12 828 units).
| << 1975 | 1977 >> |