The SA Vehicle Industry Thread

AI could put car designers out of work within 10 years, Mercedes design boss says

Ever dreamed of becoming a car designer? That fantasy could move even further from reality for aspiring automotive stylists thanks to the constant strides being made by artificial intelligence (AI).

In fact, Mercedes design boss Gordon Wagener has admitted that machine intelligence could make his job obsolete within a decade.

Speaking at a recent event in Miami, Wagener weighed in on the AI debate and how it could shape automotive design going forward.

“We work with AI now. You get 99% of crap with AI and sheer quantity. That’s the biggest problem - sorting out the good stuff from the bad,” the design head told ABC News. “But you get 1% good stuff and we keep learning. It’s getting better every day. AI will drastically change the way we design. I think in 10 years maybe most of design will be done by AI and it will make designers obsolete. My successor will be a machine and will be much cheaper than my salary.”

 
South Africa's automotive future: Chinese auto giants insist they here for long haul

As the South African automotive market evolves, a pressing question arises: Are Chinese manufacturers in South Africa here for the long haul?

This inquiry has gained traction as East Asian brands continue to disrupt the market with a slew of new vehicle introductions.

Chinese brands have made a significant impact, offering a diverse range of vehicles from budget-friendly cars to luxury SUVs and bakkies. The central theme of these offerings is value for money.

Changing consumer preferences

As consumer buying patterns shift, so too do the criteria for purchasing a vehicle. Performance metrics and handling capabilities are increasingly taking a backseat to design and technology.

Today's consumers desire more than just basic features like Bluetooth connectivity; they expect their vehicles to serve as extensions of their mobile devices.

While motoring journalists often critique the calibration disconnect between throttle and gearbox, intrusive safety systems, and subpar fuel consumption figures, these factors seem to have minimal influence on consumer purchasing decisions. The monthly sales figures reflect this trend, indicating that Chinese brands are resonating with the South African market.

Impressive sales figures

Chery South Africa currently ranks sixth in sales, just behind the global powerhouse Ford. GWM and its sub-brand Haval follow closely, with Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa rapidly gaining ground.

Other brands like BAIC and JAC are also making their presence felt, demonstrating that Chinese manufacturers are indeed making an impact, despite lingering doubts about their long-term commitment.

 
Suzuki holds strong in 2nd! SA’s new-car sales in February 2025

February 2025 represented the SA new-vehicle market’s 5th consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Here’s your market overview, including a look at Mzansi’s best-selling automakers…

In February 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market registered its 5th straight month of year-on-year growth, with sales increasing 7.3% to 47 978 units. That latter figure furthermore represents a 3.4% improvement over January 2025’s effort.

Meanwhile, export sales fell 8.6% year on year to 34 656 units, leading Naamsa to describe February 2025 as “a defining month for South Africa’s new-vehicle market, reflecting both resilience in domestic sales and headwinds in the export segment”.

According to the industry representative body, 84.1% of last month’s total reported domestic industry figure represented dealer sales, while an estimated 11.1% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 2.2% to industry corporate fleets and 2.5% to government.

Once again, it was Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market that drove overall growth in the industry, with sales in this space increasing a significant 17.0% year on year to 33 757 units (for the record, the rental channel accounted for 14.6% of that total). Meanwhile, domestic sales of new light-commercial vehicles slipped 11.3% year on year to 11 802 units.

New-vehicle sales summary for February 2025

- Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 47 978 units increased by 7.3% (3 229 units) compared to February 2024.
- New passenger-vehicle sales of 33 757 units increased by 17.0% (4 900 units) compared to February 2024.
- New light-commercial vehicle sales of 11 802 units decreased by 11.3% (1 504 units) compared to February 2024.
- Export sales of 34 656 units decreased by 8.6% (4 861 units) compared to February 2024.

10 best-selling automakers in SA in February 2025

1. Toyota – 11 743 units

2. Suzuki – 6 044 units

3. Volkswagen Group – 5 249 units

4. Hyundai – 3 074 units

5. Ford – 2 900 units

6. Isuzu – 2 298 units

7. Chery – 1 924 units

8. GWM – 1 713 units

9. Mahindra – 1 610 units

10. Nissan – 1 497 units

 
Another strong sales month for SA new vehicle market - these were the top-selling brands

The South African new vehicle market continued its positive momentum in February, while exports lost some steam.

47,979 new vehicles were sold in South Africa last month, which is 2.1% more than January's total of 46,990, and a 7.3% increase over the same month last year.

This followed January’s year-on-year gain of 10.4%, meaning the market is finally gaining the traction that many analysts predicted it would, following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in mid-2024.

It was the passenger vehicle market that led the growth once again in February, with a 16.8% year-on-year gain, while light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales declined by 11.4%, due to various factors, including the discontinuation of the Nissan NP200.

Year-to-date, passenger vehicle sales are up 18.6%, partially thanks to a resurgent rental car market, however LCV sales are down by 10.4%.

Toyota dominated the new vehicle market by its usual significant margin in February, with 11,743 units sold, while Suzuki sold north of 6,000 units once again to beat Volkswagen SA to second place overall.

Top Manufacturers: February 2025

1) Toyota - 11,743
2) Suzuki Auto - 6,044
3) Volkswagen - 5,249
4) Hyundai Automotive - 3,074
5) Ford Motor Company - 2,900
6) Isuzu Motors SA - 2,298
7) Chery Auto SA - 1,924
8) GWM SA - 1,713
9) Mahindra - 1,610
10) Nissan - 1,497
11) Kia - 1,491
12) Renault - 1,466
13) BMW Group - 1,256
14) Omoda and Jaecoo - 772
15) Stellantis - 501

 
epah said:
@Pax when last did you see a GLC?
View attachment 1801093
Click to expand...
Why? Plenty where I live. I had to do a lot of self-talk lately not to "justify" buying one, but I cannot realistically . I do not need such a large car at this stage in my life. My brother though bought one in October, but he always had big cars. He upgraded from a Everest.
 
Pax said:
Why? Plenty where I live. I had to do a lot of self-talk lately not to "justify" buying one, but I cannot realistically . I do not need such a large car at this stage in my life. My brother though bought one in October, but he always had big cars. He upgraded from an Everest.
Click to expand...
You must live at the Mercedes dealership if you see them often. Coz I most certainly don’t see them on the roads.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Pax
Tunland cracks top 10! SA’s best-selling bakkies in February 2025

The Foton Tunland G7 has cracked the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies for February 2025. Here’s a closer look at the sales figures…

In February 2025, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 7.3% year on year to 47 978 units. Yet again, the local passenger-vehicle segment drove this overall industry growth, while sales in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space dropped 11.3% year on year to 11 802 units.

So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in February 2025? Well, there was no stopping the Toyota Hilux, with local registrations of the Prospecton-built stalwart increasing 4.9% month on month to 2 683 units. Toyota SA Motors says 1 120 units represented double-cab sales.

Meanwhile, sales of the Ford Ranger grew 16.7% (compared to January 2025’s effort) to 2 168 units. This performance saw the Silverton-made contender retain the runner-up position in February, some 515 units off the pace set by the Hilux.

However, the Isuzu D-Max enjoyed a month-on-month sales surge of 36.2%, ending February 2025 on 1 924 units and therefore closing the gap to the Ranger to just 244 units. As many as 452 units – or a considerable 23.5% – of the Struandale-produced bakkie’s tally represented sales to South Africa’s government.

10 best-selling bakkies in SA for February 2025

1. Toyota Hilux – 2 683 units

2. Ford Ranger – 2 168 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 924 units

4. Mahindra Pik Up – 763 units

5. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 534 units

6. Nissan Navara – 412 units

7. Volkswagen Amarok – 290 units

8. GWM P-Series – 232 units

9. Foton Tunland G7 – 201 units

10. GWM Steed – 125 units

 
Suzuki Swift dominates new car market again - these were the 50 top selling vehicles in February

It was another solid month of growth for the South African new vehicle market, as February saw passenger vehicle sales surge by 17% year-on-year.

The Suzuki Swift led this charge, and although slightly down on its stellar January performance that saw a record 2,628 units registered, the new-generation hatchback still dominated the passenger car sector in February with 2,351 sales.

This gave it a comfortable lead over the recently facelifted Volkswagen Polo Vivo, which found 2,187 homes last month.

However, on the overall leaderboard the Toyota Hilux rose to its usual top position with 2,683 sales, followed by the Ford Ranger at 2,168 and Isuzu D-Max at 1,924. This as the light commercial vehicle market declined by 11.3%, versus the same month last year, as the Nissan NP200’s absence and finance constraints in the minibus taxi market continued to weigh on the sector.

The passenger car market, on the other hand, continues to benefit from strong sales to the rental industry, which accounted for 39% of Suzuki Swift sales and 25% of Polo Vivo sales.

50 top selling vehicles in South Africa: February 2025

1. Toyota Hilux - 2,683
2. Suzuki Swift - 2,351
3. Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 2,187
4. Ford Ranger - 2,168
5. Isuzu D-Max - 1,924
6. Toyota Corolla Cross - 1,435
7. Toyota Starlet - 1,279
8. Hyundai Grand i10 - 1,253
9. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro - 1,147
10. Suzuki Fronx - 1,123
11. Toyota Starlet Cross - 1,003
12. Haval Jolion - 982
13. Toyota Urban Cruiser - 875
14. Kia Sonet - 873
15. Volkswagen Polo - 832
16. Nissan Magnite - 808
17. Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up - 763
18. Renault Kwid - 750
19. Mahindra XUV 3X0 - 657
20. Toyota Fortuner - 634
21. Toyota Hi-Ace - 634
22. Suzuki Ertiga - 627
23. Omoda C5 - 552
24. Toyota Vitz - 551
25. Toyota Land Cruiser PU - 534
26. Toyota Rumion - 482
27. Volkswagen T-Cross - 462
28. Hyundai Exter - 428
29. Nissan Navara - 412
30. Renault Kiger - 400
31. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro - 384
32. Toyota Prado - 375
33. Suzuki Baleno - 360
34. Volkswagen Polo Sedan - 346
35. Hyundai i20 - 317
36. Ford Territory - 304
37. Volkswagen Amarok - 290
38. Hyundai Venue - 284
39. Haval H6 - 274
40. Suzuki Jimny - 274
41. Suzuki Grand Vitara - 271
42. Suzuki S-Presso - 267
43. Ford Everest - 263
44. Volkswagen Tiguan - 258
45. Jetour Dashing - 252
46. Renault Triber - 247
47. Nissan Magnite Move - 247
48. GWM P-Series - 232
49. Suzuki Eeco - 231
50. Citroen C3 - 223

15 Top Brands

1. Toyota - 11,743
2. Suzuki Auto - 6,044
3. Volkswagen - 5,249
4. Hyundai Automotive - 3,074
5. Ford Motor Company - 2,900
6. Isuzu Motors SA - 2,298
7. Chery Auto SA - 1,924
8. GWM SA - 1,713
9. Mahindra - 1,610
10. Nissan - 1,497
11. Kia - 1,491
12. Renault - 1,466
13. BMW Group - 1,256
14. Omoda and Jaecoo - 772
15. Stellantis - 501

 
FiestaST said:
Tunland cracks top 10! SA’s best-selling bakkies in February 2025

The Foton Tunland G7 has cracked the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies for February 2025. Here’s a closer look at the sales figures…

In February 2025, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 7.3% year on year to 47 978 units. Yet again, the local passenger-vehicle segment drove this overall industry growth, while sales in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space dropped 11.3% year on year to 11 802 units.

So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in February 2025? Well, there was no stopping the Toyota Hilux, with local registrations of the Prospecton-built stalwart increasing 4.9% month on month to 2 683 units. Toyota SA Motors says 1 120 units represented double-cab sales.

Meanwhile, sales of the Ford Ranger grew 16.7% (compared to January 2025’s effort) to 2 168 units. This performance saw the Silverton-made contender retain the runner-up position in February, some 515 units off the pace set by the Hilux.

However, the Isuzu D-Max enjoyed a month-on-month sales surge of 36.2%, ending February 2025 on 1 924 units and therefore closing the gap to the Ranger to just 244 units. As many as 452 units – or a considerable 23.5% – of the Struandale-produced bakkie’s tally represented sales to South Africa’s government.

10 best-selling bakkies in SA for February 2025

1. Toyota Hilux – 2 683 units

2. Ford Ranger – 2 168 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 924 units

4. Mahindra Pik Up – 763 units

5. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 534 units

6. Nissan Navara – 412 units

7. Volkswagen Amarok – 290 units

8. GWM P-Series – 232 units

9. Foton Tunland G7 – 201 units

10. GWM Steed – 125 units

Click to expand...



@FiestaST - talk to Niyaaz there and organise a review
 
Swift leads, Fronx climbs: SA passenger-car sales for February 2025

The Suzuki Swift was SA’s most popular passenger car for the 2nd straight month, while the Fronx cracked the top 10 in February 2025. Here are Mzansi’s best-selling cars and crossovers…

In February 2025, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 7.3% year on year to 47 978 units. As has been the case for several months now, the local passenger-vehicle segment powered this overall industry growth, with registrations in this part of the market climbing a significant 17.0% year on year to 33 757 units.

For the record, the rental channel accounted for a considerable 14.6% of the latter total. While Toyota Motors SA again ranked 1st both overall and in the passenger-vehicle segment, Suzuki Auto SA retained the runner-up position it grabbed from Volkswagen Group Africa in January 2025.

SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in February 2025

1. Suzuki Swift – 2 351 units

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 187 units

3. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 435 units

4. Toyota Starlet – 1 279 units

5. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 253 units

6. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1 147 units

7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 123 units

8. Toyota Starlet Cross – 1 003 units

9. Haval Jolion – 982 units

10. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 875 units

 
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