The SA Vehicle Industry Thread

These are South Africa’s 10 most searched for used hatchbacks

If you were in any doubt about the popularity of the Volkswagen brand in South Africa when it comes to the hatchback body style, even a cursory glance at the table below will put that notion firmly to bed.

Yes, the Wolfsburg-based carmaker positively dominates the list of most searched for hatchback variants on the used market (when using the body-type search filter), according to the latest AutoTrader data.

Taking a closer look at the figures for the first quarter of 2022, we see VW occupies the four highest positions, as well as another four lower down in the top 10. That means the Kia Rio 1.4 in fifth and the Mercedes-Benz A200 in eighth are the only non-VWs to make the cut.

Interestingly, the locally produced Polo 1.0 TSI is now the most searched for hatchback variant overall, moving up from the third place it held in the first quarter of last year. Its average list price has grown from R296 087 in the first reporting period to R333 378 in the second, an increase of just under 13 percent.

www.iol.co.za

These are South Africa’s 10 most searched for used hatchbacks

If you were in any doubt about the popularity of Volkswagen hatchbacks, take a look at this data.
www.iol.co.za www.iol.co.za

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OPINION | SA local car sales on the rise, exports up 16% despite SA's challenging April

With its tremendous ability to overcome setbacks and disruptions, the South African motor industry continues to astound external industry commentators and those working inside the industry.

Sales in April 2022 exceeded those in April 2021 by 4.3%, especially when one considers the effects of the massive flooding and subsequent disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal, fewer selling days due to the many public holidays, school holidays, and the ongoing restricted vehicle supply because of the worldwide shortage of semiconductors.

Not only did total sales of 37 107 units reflect an increase of 1 516 units from April 2021, but export sales managed to grow by 16% despite major problems with road transport and severe disruptions at the port of Durban.

It was heartening to see that 32 809 units, or 88.4% of new vehicle sales, moved through the dealer retail channel during the month. The rental industry played a key role in contributing 9.1% to total sales and a significant 12.5% to the passenger car market.

The trading environment in South Africa also continues to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which results in many components and vehicle manufacturing factories worldwide being shut down intermittently and the adverse effects of the conflict in Ukraine on the country's component supply.

www.news24.com

OPINION | SA local car sales on the rise, exports up 16% despite SA's challenging April | Life

With its tremendous ability to overcome setbacks and disruptions, the South African motor industry continues to astound commentators.
www.news24.com www.news24.com
 
Midsize Hatchbacks Fading Away? What SA’s Sales Figures Say

With only a handful of midsize hatchbacks still available in South Africa, what was once a thriving segment appears to be on its last legs. Let’s take a closer look at the figures for April 2022…

Remember the days when the C-segment hatchback was the default option for family transport? Well, a glance at the latest sales figures in South Africa illustrates just how far this once-bustling segment has fallen.

Yes, the crossover craze has crushed more than just the traditional sedan segment, with the midsize hatch (we’re talking about cars with exterior dimensions similar to those of a Volkswagen Golf) also suffering the effects. In fact, there’s a laundry list of hatches from this segment that have been put out to pasture in the local – and in some cases global – market over the past few years due to flagging sales.

The Ford Focus and Opel Astra are two of the most prominent relatively recent examples of locally discontinued C-segment hatchbacks (despite new-generation versions being offered in European markets), though the register of dearly departed also includes traditionally less popular models such as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Kia Cerato, Renault Mégane and Peugeot 308, along with premium players like the Lexus CT200h and Volvo V40.

www.cars.co.za

Midsize Hatchbacks Fading Away? What SA's Sales Figures Say

With only a handful of midsize hatchbacks still available in South Africa, what was once a thriving segment appears to be on its last legs...
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
How Fast Are EV and Hybrid Sales Growing in South Africa?

The number of electrified vehicles on the market in South Africa is slowly increasing. So, what impact has this had on sales volumes? Let’s take a closer look at the figures…

Sales of electrified cars in Europe increased a hefty 66% year on year in 2021, accounting for nearly a fifth of all new vehicles sold on the continent. This increase was, of course, driven by a surge in choice in that market (a phenomenon in turn propelled by tightening emissions regulations).

What about South Africa? Though the number of fully electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids and full hybrids available locally right now remains a relatively modest one (by international standards, at least), there are certainly a few more options than in years gone by.

Looking specifically at EVs, the market now includes the Mini Cooper SE, Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge (with front-driven P6 to follow), BMW iX (in two guises) and Jaguar I-Pace, along with Audi’s broader e-tron range and Porsche’s just-as-vast Taycan portfolio (the BMW i3, though, has been discontinued). Hybrid variants, meanwhile, now number well in excess of 50 across around 30 model ranges.

www.cars.co.za

How Fast Are EV and Hybrid Sales Growing in South Africa?

The number of electrified vehicles on the market in South Africa is slowly increasing. So, what impact has this had on sales volumes?
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Most Fuel Efficient Budget Cars in SA

We list the most fuel-efficient, budget-friendly cars currently available in South Africa!

Fuel prices in South Africa are soaring to new highs and household budgets are being placed under considerable pressure. Concurrently, in the last 24 months, new car prices have increased significantly and new car buyers would be wise to consider fuel efficiency when considering purchasing a car. By considering fuel-efficient budget cars, you can literally save thousands of Rands every year!

In an effort to assist you in your decision-making process, we have created a fuel efficiency list that’s not only more relevant but also more diverse. Considering that most people can’t afford expensive cars, we decided to list the most fuel-efficient cars with an asking price under R300 000.

Note that claimed manufacturer fuel consumption figures are used here and that real-world consumption figures will differ depending on a number of factors such as driving style, road conditions and so forth.

Pricing is accurate as of May 2022.

Most Fuel Efficient Budget Cars in South Africa

3.8 L/100 km – Fiat 500 Dolcevita

4.2 L/100 km – Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL Automatic

4.3 L/100 km – Mahindra KUV100 Nxt 1.2 D75 K6+/K8

4.4 L/100 km – Renault Kwid Automatic

4.8 L/100km – Toyota Agya 1.0 Manual

4.9 L/100km – Suzuki DZire / Suzuki S-Presso / Suzuki Ignis / Suzuki Swift

5.0 L/100km – Kia Picanto 1.0 Manual / 1.2 X-Line Manual

5.0 L/100km – Mahindra XUV300 1.5TD W6

5.0 L/100km – Renault Kiger 1.0 Turbo Intens / 1.0 Turbo Zen

www.cars.co.za

The Best Fuel-Efficient Cars in South Africa on a Budget

We list the most fuel-efficient, budget-friendly cars currently available in South Africa! Which car would you choose to own?
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
Rethink your vehicle type to counter record fuel costs

In a time of record fuel prices, are you driving the right kind of vehicle? When you’re looking to conserve as much fuel as possible, the shape and stature of your ride really matter.

Government levies its favourite kind of tax on fuel. Why? Because as long as there are motor vehicles travelling on our roads, fuel-tax revenue will top up the Treasury’s coffers. There is no way that you, the motorist, can’t avoid fuel tax.

Do you know that petrol and diesel prices have doubled in the past five years? Today, fuel prices are nightmarish… and they are about to get even worse. The brief respite government offered (with a softening of its fuel levy) will lapse in June.

Alarming? Without a doubt. If your vehicle is paid up, its associated costs (provided you are within the ownership shielding of a warranty and maintenance plan) are mostly fixed: insurance and licencing. But the price of the energy required to power that vehicle has escalated drastically.

Imagine if your car-loan instalments nearly doubled… You’d never tolerate that and probably trade in the vehicle for something much cheaper. But with fuel, you have to pay the mandated price. Unless you brew your own biodiesel, there is no possibility of using “more affordable” fuel.

www.cars.co.za

Rethink your vehicle type to counter record fuel costs

Are you driving the right kind of vehicle? When you're looking to conserve as much fuel as possible, the shape and stature of your ride really matter.
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
Move over Toyota, Suzuki is now South Africa's best-selling car brand

• Despite fuel price hikes and challenging times for South Africans, new car sales remained positive in May.
• The passenger car market leader Toyota was passed by Japanese automaker, Suzuki last month.
• Suzuki sold a total of 4250 new cars during May.

For eons, Toyota has been the people's favourite and the best-selling automaker in South Africa, with Volkswagen always on their heels in second place. Now, Suzuki has crept up on the most popular brand in the country and outsold both Toyota and Volkswagen in the passenger car segment.

According to the monthly sales figures from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), Suzuki sold a whopping 4250 new vehicles during May. While Volkswagen South Africa sold 4468 cars last month, this total includes Audi vehicles as well. Audi also had a good month and sold a total of 529 passenger vehicles, so this would mean Volkswagen SA sold 3939 cars in total. Toyota sold 3 998 vehicles. Hence, Suzuki has surpassed both market leaders.

Toyota's Prospecton Plant in Durban suspended operations almost two months ago due to the recent floods, which have hindered the local production of the Toyota Corolla Cross and Quest models. Suzuki takes the well-deserved title of being the best in the land for May. As they say in racing, a win is a win, no matter what.

But what are South Africans buying that's boosted Suzuki South Africa sales through the roof, you might wonder. Last month, the automaker sold 1 764 Swift models, a few hundred more than VW's firm favourite Polo (1124 units) and Polo Vivo (1179).

Other models which did well for Suzuki include the compact city-car S-Presso (783), Vitara Brezza (530), Jimny (428), Ertiga (305), and the Celerio with 178 units, with the Dzire close behind with 149 units.According to Toyota, most of their best sellers were hampered by stock shortages. The automaker had to depend on other resources such as imported models such as the Urban Cruiser, which sold 1213 models, and the seven-seater Rumion (834).

Move over Toyota, Suzuki is now South Africa's best-selling car brand | News24

Toyota has been the people's favourite and the best-selling automaker in South Africa for a very long time. Now, Suzuki has crept up on the most popular brand and outsold both Toyota and Volkswagen during May.
www.news24.com www.news24.com
 
New vehicle sales in South Africa: May 2022

Though South Africa’s new-vehicle sales for May 2022 increased marginally year on year, the knock-on effects of the KwaZulu-Natal floods made a significant dent in the country’s export figure. Still, SA has a new best-selling vehicle…

South Africa’s new-vehicle industry felt the brunt of April’s KwaZulu-Natal floods in May 2022, according to Naamsa. The knock-on effects of the disaster – including extensive damage to Toyota’s Prospecton facility – along with a raft of compounding factors meant the country’s new-vehicle sales grew just 2.1% year on year to 39 177 units in May (a figure likewise up slightly on April 2022), while export sales plummeted 29.9% to 25 786 units.

Naamsa says an estimated 34 775 units (or 88.8%) of May 2022’s overall figure represented dealer sales. The new passenger-car market at 27 437 units grew an encouraging 13.8% year on year, though it was strongly supported by the rental industry, which accounted for a substantial 10.0% of sales. Meanwhile, with Hilux and Hi-Ace production having been halted, sales of new light-commercial vehicles came in at just 9 221 units, representing a year-on-year decline of 22.6%.

Meanwhile, WesBank lauded the industry for continuing “to show resilience” during May 2022 in the face of market conditions “containing more and more challenges”.

“In uncertain times where volatility is a recurring theme, May presented unnecessary additional challenges to the market, but [it] fought bravely for recovery. Supply constraints were also amplified by the impact of the floods in KZN on one of the market’s largest producers, not to mention the continued disruptions in logistics,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communications at WesBank.

New vehicle sales summary for May 2022

- Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 39 177 units increased by 2.1% (819 units) compared to May 2021.
- New passenger-vehicle sales of 27 437 units increased by 13.8% (3 318 units) compared to May 2021.
- New light-commercial vehicle sales of 9 221 units decreased by 22.6% (-2 691 units) compared to May 2021.
- Export sales of 25 786 units decreased by 29.9% (-11 013 units) compared to May 2021.

10 best-selling car brands in South Africa for May 2022

1. Toyota – 6 664 units

2. Volkswagen Group – 4 778 units

3. Suzuki – 4 331 units

4. Hyundai – 3 039 units

5. Ford – 2 447 units

6. Renault – 2 442 units

7. Nissan – 2 299 units

8. Kia – 1 972 units

9. Haval – 1 936 units

10. Isuzu – 1 507 units

10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa for May 2022

1. Suzuki Swift – 1 764 units

2. Ford Ranger – 1 548 units

3. Toyota Hilux – 1 368 units

4. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 1 179 units

5. Isuzu D-Max – 1 163 units

6. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 1 124 units

7. Nissan NP200 – 1 066 units

8. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 1 213 units

9. Volkswagen T-Cross – 981 units

10. Haval Jolion – 975 units

www.cars.co.za

New vehicle sales in South Africa: May 2022

SA's new-car sales for May 2022 increased marginally despite the knock-on effects of the KZN floods. And we have a new best-selling vehicle.
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
Wait, what? Suzuki sold more passenger cars than Toyota in May

As if the motor industry wasn’t suffering enough from international supply chain disruptions, the tragic flooding that took place in KwaZulu-Natal has also put considerable strain on new vehicle sales.

Despite all of the challenges, however, South Africa’s overall new vehicle market managed to grow by 2.1 percent in May 2022, versus the same month last year, with a total of 39 177 units sold nationwide.

Having been forced to temporarily close its local assembly plant in Prospecton due to extensive flood damage, Toyota’s sales numbers were significantly lower than usual in May. While the company did manage to narrowly hold on to its overall market leadership, with total sales of 6 664 units putting it ahead of Volkswagen (4 778) and Suzuki (4 331), Toyota’s sales numbers were 34.3% down on the previous month and 125.2% lower than the record figure achieved in March.

This was largely due to shortages of the company’s two best-selling models, which are locally produced. Toyota sold just 1 368 Hilux models in May, and 181 Corolla Crosses. Although imported, the Toyota Starlet is undergoing a model changeover and, as a result, just 494 units found homes last month.

Suzuki, on the other hand, enjoyed another extremely strong sales month, with passenger car sales totalling 4 250, putting it narrowly behind Volkswagen (4 468) and ahead of Toyota (3 998).

www.iol.co.za

Wait, what? Suzuki sold more passenger cars than Toyota in May

The tragic flooding that took place in KwaZulu-Natal has put considerable strain on new vehicle sales, changing the playing field completely.
www.iol.co.za www.iol.co.za
 
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: May 2022

With Toyota’s Prospecton factory still shuttered, the Hilux lost the crown of South Africa’s best-selling bakkie in May 2022. Here’s a closer look at the segment’s sales figures…

There haven’t been too many months over the past few decades when the Toyota Hilux wasn’t South Africa’s best-selling bakkie. May 2022, however, was one such instance. Of course, there’s an obvious reason for that, with April’s deadly KwaZulu-Natal floods also extensively damaging Toyota’s Prospecton factory, resulting in the facility remaining offline throughout May 2022.

With production of models such as the aforementioned Hilux and the likewise strong-selling Hi-Ace having temporarily ceased, South African sales of new light-commercial vehicles in May 2022 plunged 22.6% year on year to just 9 221 units, despite the overall new-vehicle industry growing 2.1% year on year to 39 177 units.

So, let’s take a closer look at what this means for the composition of the top 10 in May 2022. Despite the fact the Blue Oval brand is gearing up to launch an all-new model later in the year, the outgoing Ford Ranger was the top-selling bakkie last month with 1 548 units registered across the country. The Silverton-built pick-up added more than 400 units to its April tally, moving up one place in the process.

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for May 2022

1. Ford Ranger – 1 548 units

2. Toyota Hilux – 1 368 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 163 units

4. Nissan NP200 – 1 066 units

5. Mahindra Pik Up – 688 units

6. Nissan Navara – 461 units

7. GWM Steed – 368 units

8. GWM P-Series – 327 units

9. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 294 units

10. Volkswagen Amarok – 208 units

www.cars.co.za

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: May 2022

With Toyota's KZN factory shuttered, the Hilux lost the crown of SA's best-selling bakkie in May 2022. Here's a closer look at the figures...
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
FiestaST said:
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: May 2022

With Toyota’s Prospecton factory still shuttered, the Hilux lost the crown of South Africa’s best-selling bakkie in May 2022. Here’s a closer look at the segment’s sales figures…

There haven’t been too many months over the past few decades when the Toyota Hilux wasn’t South Africa’s best-selling bakkie. May 2022, however, was one such instance. Of course, there’s an obvious reason for that, with April’s deadly KwaZulu-Natal floods also extensively damaging Toyota’s Prospecton factory, resulting in the facility remaining offline throughout May 2022.

With production of models such as the aforementioned Hilux and the likewise strong-selling Hi-Ace having temporarily ceased, South African sales of new light-commercial vehicles in May 2022 plunged 22.6% year on year to just 9 221 units, despite the overall new-vehicle industry growing 2.1% year on year to 39 177 units.

So, let’s take a closer look at what this means for the composition of the top 10 in May 2022. Despite the fact the Blue Oval brand is gearing up to launch an all-new model later in the year, the outgoing Ford Ranger was the top-selling bakkie last month with 1 548 units registered across the country. The Silverton-built pick-up added more than 400 units to its April tally, moving up one place in the process.

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for May 2022

1. Ford Ranger – 1 548 units

2. Toyota Hilux – 1 368 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 163 units

4. Nissan NP200 – 1 066 units

5. Mahindra Pik Up – 688 units

6. Nissan Navara – 461 units

7. GWM Steed – 368 units

8. GWM P-Series – 327 units

9. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 294 units

10. Volkswagen Amarok – 208 units

www.cars.co.za

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: May 2022

With Toyota's KZN factory shuttered, the Hilux lost the crown of SA's best-selling bakkie in May 2022. Here's a closer look at the figures...
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
Click to expand...
If New Ranger had been ready to launch now, Ford will break records and steal a lot of Hilux customers. Gotta feel for Toyota dealers and those in sales with these shortages...
 
These were South Africa’s best and worst selling bakkies in May 2022

While passenger car sales continue to grow at a healthy rate year-on-year, bakkie sales are faltering and May 2022 proved to be another sombre month for the market.

While passenger cars gained 13.8% versus the same month in 2021, light commercial vehicle sales fell by 22.6% year-on-year last month, but there are a variety of factors that led to such a huge decline and the main one was the shortage of Toyota Hilux bakkies caused by the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal which led to the temporary closure of Toyota’s Prospecton factory.

www.iol.co.za

These were South Africa’s best and worst selling bakkies in May 2022

With supply issues wreaking havoc on the motor industry, the bakkie sales landscape looked somewhat different in May. These were the winners and losers:
www.iol.co.za www.iol.co.za
 
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