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New vehicles are set to launch in South Africa in 2023 and 2024 as the motor vehicle industry recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) said that South Africans bought 45,352 new vehicles in February 2023, which represented a 2.5% year-on-year increase compared to February 2022.
Although the local vehicle sales showed positive numbers, Naamsa said that exports declined by 11.5% – a concern as the automotive industry contributes 4.3% to the nation’s GDP.
The association added that load shedding had a negative impact on vehicle production, while the current inflationary environment is having a direct impact on vehicle sales by influencing buying decisions of South African motorists.
However, Naamsa still expects vehicle sales to grow in 2023.
“While momentum for the new vehicle market has been slow, it is forecasted that both domestic sales will grow by 6.3% and export sales will grow by 8.3% in 2023,” it said.
Some vehicles that will be added to the South African vehicle market include:
Toyota’s new GR Corolla will launch in South Africa within the next four months.
“Pricing, detailed specification, and model line-up for the GR Corolla will be confirmed closer to launch timing,” Toyota said.
It added that the high-performance hatchback will be sold in limited quantities at GR-focused dealerships exclusively.
The Chery Omada will launch in South Africa in mid-April, with 30 dealers across the country able to offer sales and support services.
Omada is Chery’s luxury-focused sub-brand, and its launch in South Africa will be the first in Africa.
The exact pricing for the new sub-brand is yet to be confirmed.
Lexus said that its RZ 450e will be launching in South Africa in 2024.
The RZ 450e will be the brand’s first built-from-the-ground-up battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
The manufacturer said that the BEV’s exact launch date and pricing will be announced closer to the launch.
BMW’s first M3 in Touring body style will come to South Africa in small quantities in 2024.
Local pricing and the number of vehicles for South Africa’s roads are yet to be revealed.
Top Auto said the touring will likely be offered to a limited number of clients in small batches.
BusinessTech’s sister publication said that other limited-edition BMWs launched in South Africa over the last few years – the M3 CS, M4 CSL, and the M5 CS – offering between 10 and 20 units.
Hyundai South Africa said that the updated Grand i10 will launch in South Africa in 2023 but failed to give an exact date.
Although little is known about the upgraded hatchback, Hyundai said that the South African model will be sourced from India.
TopAuto said that South Africa’s new i10 will not be based on the one launching in Europe in 2024, and will likely be similar to the Grand i10 Nio that recently launched in India.
Nissan will usher in the fourth generation of its popular X-Trail in April 2023.
Although the X-Trail is available with a pure internal combustion engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain, or two range-extender hybrid configurations in global markets, the South African version will only be offered as a petrol model at launch.
However, the manufacturer said that hybrid technologies could be brought to the country.
“More information on specifications, which include powertrains, will be announced at the time of the various launches planned across Africa,” Nissan said.
Read: What a R8 million car looks like in South Africa
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