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While domestic new passenger vehicle sales declined year-on-year, reflecting a volume decrease of 3.1% in August 2023, there are still some clear brand and model favourites among those who purchased a new car last month.
Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales recorded 45,679 units, reflecting a notable decrease of 1,476 vehicles or 3.1%, from the 47,155 vehicles sold in August 2022.
“The weak new vehicle sales performance underlines the ongoing stressed business and consumer environment in the country given that negative economic considerations still greatly outweigh positive ones,” said Naamsa.
This sentiment was also noted in the new passenger car market, which declined by 6,7% from 31,015 new cars sold in August 2022 to 28,951 in 2023.
“The weak performance of the passenger car market reflected the impact of rising costs of living and lower disposable income on consumer sentiment and the ability to be active in the new vehicle market,” said Naamsa.
On the bright side, the significantly less daytime load shedding since June 2023, interest rates being put on hold in July 2023 for the first time since November 2021, and inflation now firmly falling within the 3%- 6% target band has provided some relief for consumers.
“However, energy and logistical constraints remain binding on the domestic economic growth outlook, limiting economic activity and increasing costs,” the group added.
Despite this, Toyota continues to be the most popular brand in South Africa, selling 12,233 vehicles. This is partly due to the continued popularity of its flagship bakkie.
Volkswagen (VW) also remains the second most popular brand, with 5,972 units sold, while Suzuki is third, with 4,332 units sold.
Toyota comprised 26.7% of all vehicles sold last month. This is well above the combined sales of VW (13%) and Suzuki (9.5%), which comprised 22.5% of all vehicles sold.
Of the total reported industry sales of 45,679 vehicles, 83.8% were represented by dealer sales, 12.2% to the vehicle rental industry, 1.2% to the government, and 2.8% to corporate industry fleets.
The top 10 brands that sold the most cars locally in August 2023 were:
- Toyota – 12,233 units
- Volkswagen Group – 5,972 units
- Suzuki – 4,332 units
- Ford – 2,724 units
- Hyundai – 2,637 units
- Nissan – 2,377 units
- Isuzu – 2,045 units
- Haval – 1,819 units
- Renault – 1,750 units
- Kia – 1,550 units
Best-selling models
The Toyota Hilux remained firmly on top in August 2023, selling 3,309 units.
Additionally, Toyota boasted four models in the top 10 best-selling cars – which included the Hilux (1st), Toyota Corolla Cross (4th), Toyota Hi-Ace (6th), and the Toyota Starlet (7th).
Following its one-month reign at the top in April, the new Ford Ranger ranked 3rd in June and remained in this position in August, selling 2,367 units.
The second and third most popular brands, VW and Suzuki, also featured models in the top ten – the VW Polo Vivo (2nd), the VW Polo (9th) and the Suzuki Swift (8th).
The top 10 best-selling models, including the abovementioned models, and how many units were sold in June 2023 are listed below.
1. Toyota Hilux – 3,309 units sold
- Starting price: R356,600
2. VW Polo Vivo – 2,452 units sold
- Starting price: R248,500
3. Ford Ranger – 2,367 units sold
- Starting price: R494,400
4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 2,130 units sold
- Starting price: R404,400
5. Isuzu D-Max – 1,632 units sold
- Starting price: R431,800
6. Toyota HiAce – 1,581 units sold
- Starting price: R543,900
7. Toyota Starlet – 1,372 units sold
- Starting price: R248,400
8. Suzuki Swift – 1,349 units sold
- Starting price: R199,900
9. VW Polo – 1,153 units sold
- Starting price: R337,700
10. Nissan NP200 – 1,064 units sold
- Starting price: R226,000
Read: Car brands with the most problems – and the results might surprise you
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