New data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) shows that South Africa’s new-vehicle market continues to be on an upward trajectory year-on-year.
Toyota continued its reign as the leading manufacturer of local car sales in October 2022, with a total of 12,574 vehicles sold. This is largely thanks to its flagship Hilux bakkie, which received a new addition with the GR-Sport, and sold 3,336 out of the brand’s total units.
More surprisingly, Toyota holds the top three positions on this list, representing the best-selling cars in October 2022. Following the Hilux, the Corolla Cross – which also got a GR makeover earlier this year – is in second place and sold as many as 2,014 units in October. Following this, third is taken up by Toyota’s Urban Cruiser, which sold 1,820 units in October.
Regarding most popular brands, while Toyota is on top, Volkswagen Group is second with 4,904 vehicles sold locally, and Suzuki Auto is third with 4,112 units sold.
Of the total reported industry sale of 45,966 vehicles, 82.6% were represented by dealer sales, 13.1% by sales to the vehicle rental industry, 2.4% to the government, and 1.9% to corporate industry fleets.
The top 10 brands that sold the most cars locally in October 2022 were:
- Toyota – 12,574 units
- Volkswagen Group – 4,904 units
- Suzuki – 4,112 units
- Nissan – 3,011 units
- Hyundai – 2,703 units
- Haval – 2,602 units
- Ford – 2,458 units
- Isuzu – 2,187 units
- Renault – 2,011 units
- Kia – 1,780 units
2023 expectations
Despite the positive numbers for October 2022, the new vehicle market’s resilient performance is decelerating due to the sixth consecutive increase in interest rates since November 2021, said Naamsa.
Growth prospects for the year’s balance remain constrained as higher interest rates and consequent higher debt servicing costs weigh on disposable income, added Naamsa.
Nevertheless, growth prospects for domestic vehicle exports remain optimistic for 2023 as they continued their upward momentum during October despite the logistical disruptions caused by the Transnet strike and the consequent force majeure declared.
Naamsa added that vehicle exports remain on track to reach a level of well over 300,000 units by the end of 2022.
11 of the best-selling cars in South Africa in October 2022 are listed below:
1. Toyota Hilux
- 3,336 units sold
- Starting price: R313,300
2. Toyota Corolla Cross
- 2,014 units sold
- Starting price: R360,400
3. Toyota Urban Cruiser
- 1,820 units sold
- Starting price: R280,400
4. Ford Ranger
- 1,807 units sold
- Starting price: R340,400
5. Isuzu D-Max
- 1,802 units sold
- Starting price: R411,800
6. Suzuki Swift
- 1,693 units sold
- Starting price: R194,900
7. VW Polo Vivo
- 1,583 units sold
- Starting price: R243,600
8. Toyota Hiace
- 1,239 units sold
- Starting price: R497,800
9. Nissan NP200
- 1,096 units sold
- Starting price: R212,500
10. Haval H6
11. Haval Jolion
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