subscribe Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Subscribe now
With Toyota's Durban factory up and running again, the Hilux resumed its position as SA's top-selling vehicle. Picture: SUPPLIED
With Toyota's Durban factory up and running again, the Hilux resumed its position as SA's top-selling vehicle. Picture: SUPPLIED

Despite rising inflation and an interest rate hike, demand in SA’s new-vehicle market continued to grow in August. It was the second-best performing sales month this year, with 47,420 units sold, according to Naamsa.

This was 14.2% higher than the same month last year, and market prospects for the remainder of the year could hold further promise, said Lebogang Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communications at WesBank, despite further expected rate increases. 

Passenger cars grew 14.6% to 31,269 units compared with August last year, representing similar volumes to July. Light commercial vehicles contributed 13,281 units, up 13.1% year-on-year and a far better performance than the 9,552 sales last month.

The new-vehicle market’s performance year-to-date is 13.8% ahead of the corresponding period in 2021.

After production recently resumed at its Durban factory after its temporary closure due to flooding, Toyota resumed its firm dominance of the market.

It sold 11,138 vehicles last month, ahead of second-placed Volkswagen on 6,693 units and third-placed Suzuki (4,164). Hyundai followed on 3,129 units ahead of Nissan (2,644), Renault (2,350), Ford (2,341), Isuzu (2,122), Kia (2,035), Haval (1,797), Mahindra (1,332), Chery (1,320), BMW (1,064), Mercedes-Benz (999) and Stellantis (730).

The Polo Vivo was the most-sold passenger car in August. Picture: SUPPLIED
The Polo Vivo was the most-sold passenger car in August. Picture: SUPPLIED

The locally built Toyota Hilux, with 3,417 units, was back to its top spot as SA’s best-selling vehicle last month. The locally built Volkswagen Polo Vivo was the best-selling passenger car with 2,359 units.

The top selling new vehicles in August 2022:

Toyota Hilux — 3,417

VW Polo Vivo — 2,359

Toyota Urban Cruiser — 1,905

Ford Ranger — 1,791

Isuzu D-Max — 1789

Nissan NP200 — 1,397

Suzuki Swift — 1,369

VW Polo — 1,286

Toyota Corolla Cross — 1,129

Toyota Hi-Ace — 1,008

VW T-Cross — 1,000

Renault Kiger — 999

Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up — 896

Renault Kwid — 824

Chery Tiggo4 Pro — 779

Toyota Starlet — 774

Haval Jolion — 738

Hyundai Venue — 712

Suzuki Vitara Brezza — 679

Toyota Fortuner — 667

Nissan Navara — 661

Hyundai Atos — 609

subscribe Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.