The South African automotive market is a vibrant and dynamic landscape, characterized by a diverse range of vehicles that cater to the unique needs and preferences of consumers.
As one of the largest automotive markets in Africa, South Africa showcases a blend of local and international brands that have established themselves as favorites among drivers.
In this exploration, WoA delves into the top-selling car brands in South Africa, examining their popularity and key models.
1. Toyota
Toyota remains the most popular car brand in South Africa, achieving a market share of 26.8% in 2023, marking the company’s 44th consecutive year as the market leader in the country.
The Toyota Hilux stands out as the best-selling vehicle in South Africa, particularly excelling in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment.
Another important model is the Toyota Hiace, which dominates the commercial vehicle sector, boasting over 95% market share.
In the medium to full-size SUV category, the Toyota Fortuner leads the market with an impressive 51% share.
2. Volkswagen
Volkswagen remains a leading car manufacturer in South Africa, holding a notable 13% market share with 61,193 sales in 2023.
This positions Volkswagen as the second most popular brand in the country, following Toyota.
Among its key models, the Polo Vivo stands out as the most significant contributor to sales, with 23,904 units sold, accounting for 39% of Volkswagen’s total sales.
The Polo follows closely behind, with 11,748 units sold, representing 19% of the brand’s sales.
The T-Cross also plays an important role in Volkswagen’s lineup, with 7,152 units sold, which is about 11% of total sales.
3. Suzuki Auto
Suzuki has become increasingly popular in South Africa, recently emerging as the third-best-selling passenger car brand after Volkswagen.
The brand’s success is attributed to its affordable and reliable models, including the Swift, S-Presso, Vitara Brezza, and the newly introduced Grand Vitara.
In the financial year ending March 2024, Suzuki sold a record 51,969 vehicles, marking a significant growth in a challenging market.
4. Hyundai
Hyundai is a prominent player in South Africa’s automotive market, consistently ranking among the top five automakers.
In 2023, it sold over 2,000 vehicles monthly, with the Grand i10 leading sales at 971 units in November and 780 in December.
Other popular models include the Venue and Creta, reflecting a growing preference for SUVs and compact cars in the region.
The brand’s resilience amid economic challenges is attributed to its diverse lineup, including affordable options like the Grand i10 and more premium models like the Santa Fe.
5. Ford
Ford enjoys significant popularity in South Africa, with the Ford Ranger being the standout model.
It was the top-selling used vehicle in 2020, accounting for 4.7% of all used cars sold and generating 8.3 million searches.
Other notable models include the Ford EcoSport and Fiesta, which also rank highly in used car sales.
Ford’s long-standing presence since 1923 has solidified its reputation, with recent investments leading to the introduction of new models like the Puma, Mustang, and Ranger PHEV.
6. Isuzu
Isuzu enjoys significant popularity in South Africa, particularly with its D-Max model, which has become a top seller.
In March 2023, the D-Max ranked second in sales with a 4.6% market share, showing a 66.1% increase from the previous year.
The brand has a long-standing presence, with the KB (now D-Max) being a staple since the 1970s, known for its reliability and versatility.
Key models include the NPR 400 and FTR 850 in the commercial segment, both of which have consistently performed well in sales.
7. Renault
Renault has seen a resurgence in popularity in South Africa, particularly with models like the Kiger and Triber, which have been well-received due to their affordability and practicality.
The Kiger was notably successful, contributing to record sales in 2022.
The Triber currently leads in sales among Renault models, offering spaciousness and economical performance.
Upcoming models include a refreshed Clio and an all-new Duster, expected to launch in late 2024.
Despite challenges, Renault’s future looks promising with ongoing updates and a focus on hybrid technology.
8. Nissan
Nissan ranks among the top ten automotive brands in South Africa, consistently appearing in monthly best-sellers lists.
One of its standout models is the Nissan NP200, which has become the best-selling vehicle in the country, with 1,276 units sold recently.
Another key model contributing to Nissan’s popularity is the Nissan Magnite, an affordable crossover that has captured the interest of many South African consumers.
In the bakkie segment, the Nissan Navara stands out as a strong contender, known for its durability and off-road capabilities.
Additionally, Nissan’s crossover offerings like the Qashqai and X-Trail have their own following, although their sales figures are lower compared to other models, with 151 and 8 units sold respectively.
