The Toyota Hilux celebrates 11 consecutive year in the South African pole position.
Discover 50 years of South African Historical Data here.
532,098 new vehicles hit South African roads in 2022, a tiny 0.5% year-on-year increase and despite H2 sales in negative. Exports surge 12.7% to 396,290, the best result since 2019. The manufacturers order has Toyota (+8%) in firm command with 26.8% share, more than double the #2, the VW Group (-3.5%) at 12.7% of the market. Suzuki (+4.4%) and Hyundai (-11.7%) follow like in 2022. Ford (+15.7%) delivers the largest gain in the Top 10 and steps up two spots to #4. Nissan (-3.8%) is relegated to #6 while Isuzu (+10.4%) leaps three ranks to #7. Renault (-21.8%), Haval (-11.9%) and Kia (-16.3%) all struggle at the tail end of the Top 10. In contrast Chery (+123.8%) lurches three spots to #11.
Model-wise, there’s no surprise on top with the Toyota Hilux (+16.7%) marking 11 connective years in pole position and even improving its market share by one percentage point from 6.1% to 7.1%. The Hilux was #1 for 11 months this year, with its archenemy the Ford Ranger (+42%) snapping the top spot in May. The Ranger ends the year in 2nd place, up from #3 in 2022. As a result the VW Polo Vivo (+14.6%) falls to #3. The Toyota Corolla Cross (+45.2%) is up four spots to #4 with the Isuzu D-Max (+11.1%) staying at #5. The Toyota Hiace (+32.1%) advances to #6 ahead of the Suzuki Swift (-7.6%) in trouble. The Toyota Vitz, launched in April, is the most successful 2023 launch at #28, it peaked at #5 in December.
Previous year: South Africa 2022: Toyota Hilux celebrates 10 straight years at #1, solid market (+13.9%)
Two years ago: South Africa 2021: Toyota Hilux #1 for 9th straight year, Starlet up to #7 in market up 22.1%
Full December 2023 Top 37 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.
Full Year 2023 Top 40 All manufacturers and Top 30 models vs. Full Year 2022 figures below.
