South Africa September 2014: Mercedes GLA & CLA both in Top 50

Mercedes GLA

* NOW UPDATED with the Top 125 best-selling models and Top 33 brands! See title *

In spite of the difficult economic situation currently affecting the country, new car sales in South Africa are actually up year-on-year in September and for the first time so far in 2014 by a very robust 11.5% to 60,854 registrations. This brings the year-to-date total to 482,786 units, down just 1.5% on 2013 which is a great performance in the current context. The VW Polo Vivo is back atop the models sales charts thanks to a very strong 7% market share this month, however this is not enough to dislodge the Toyota Hilux from its year-to-date pedestal at 27,901 units and 5.8% vs. 25,339 and 5.2% for the Polo Vivo. The Ford Ranger manages a second straight month on the South African podium with a brilliant 2,629 sales and 4.3%, while the Toyota Corolla overtakes its lil sis the Etios year-to-date to rank 5th.

The VW Polo Vivo is the best-selling model in South Africa this month.

Excellent showing of the locally-produced Mercedes C-Class up 5 spots on August to #8 with 2.5% share, of the Ford Figo up to #9, Ford Fiesta up 6 ranks to #11, Chevrolet Aveo at #19 vs. #29 year-to-date, Honda Brio up 11 to #23, Ford Ikon at #30. Finally, the performance of the month is delivered by German manufacturer Mercedes: it places the GLA compact SUV and the CLA compact sedan, both launched within the past year, inside the Top 50 in September: the former at a record-breaking #45 with 236 sales and the latter just below at #46 with 230 units. A stunning performance for two dearly-priced models in this market.

First month of sales in South Africa for the Datsun Go

Outside the Top 50, we welcome 3 important launches this month in South Africa. Landing directly at a promising 75th position, the BMW X4 sells 111 units, while the Honda Mobilio arrives exactly at the same level as its rival the Suzuki Ertiga in 105th place with 63 sales. Finally, Datsun returns to Africa with the launch of the Go in South Africa, its third country with official sales so far after India and Indonesia. Very shy for now at just 51 units sold in September but this should improve vastly over the coming months.

Previous month: South Africa August 2014: Toyota Hilux back in charge

One year ago: South Africa September 2013: Ford Ecosport up to #13

Full September 2014 Top 125 models and Top 33 brands Ranking Tables below.