With average sales of just under 1 800 units a month since launch the Corsa Utility is not just the clear class leader, but the second most popular light commercial vehicle in the market.
When this second generation model entered the market, the Corsa Utility held a market share of 28% as the third most popular vehicle in its class.
By the end of its first full year it had carved out a 41% market share for itself. This grew to 49% in 2008 and even though the total market in 2009 has declined some 35% over 2008, the little Corsa Ute share has maintained an average market share of 47% through the first five months of 2009.
With a best payload in class of 790 kg for the diesel and 680 kg for the 1.4 entry level model and a high level of specification and features across the range it appeals to the serious business user, while providing a comfortable second car option for the private buyer where it fills both utility and leisure vehicle roles.
Locally produced at the GMSA facility in Port Elizabeth, the Corsa Utility has also won the industry benchmark for quality. The Corsa Ute has achieved the top accolade - a gold award for quality in both the Synovate 2007 and 2008 independent Quality Surveys.
“The Corsa Utility is undoubtedly the success story of the ‘B' segment in the light commercial vehicle sector, “ says Malcolm Gauld, Sales and Marketing Director for GMSA. “It has redefined the half-ton sector of the market and driven interest to a level where the volumes in the segment account for over 26% of all LCV sales.
“When we first introduced the second generation Corsa Utility we had just four model's in the range with two specification levels and a choice of 1.4 litre petrol engine or 1.7 litre diesel. Today, in keeping with market demand, we offer a range of nine models in three specification levels with a choice of either 1.4 litre or 1.8 litre petrol engines or a 1.7 litre turbocharged diesel engine.”
