South Africa September 2013: Ford Ecosport up to #13

Ford Ecosport

* See the Top 80 best-selling models by clicking on the title! *

The current strike at the seven major vehicle manufacturing plants in South Africa has only slightly impacted new car sales in South Africa down 1.5% year-on-year in September to 54,281 sales but still up 5% year-to-date at 490,291 units. This is thanks to existing inventory levels and the fact that 2/3 of vehicles sold in South Africa are imported. However exports have been brought to a grinding halt: down 75% to just 6,622 units this month, and this is starting to affect the future of the car manufacturing industry in South Africa. 72,000 workers are on strike at the Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan, Mercedes and BMW SA plants, and BMW has already confirmed it will be seriously considering the future of manufacture in the country…

The Renault Duster is now available in South Africa

Back to the models ranking, and with 2,739 sales and 5% this month the Toyota Hilux has now taken a clear advantage over its archenemy the VW Polo Vivo, stuck in third place for the 2nd month running at 4.5% share. Hilux sales add up to 28,381 and 5.8% so far this year vs. 27,149 and 5.5% for the Polo Vivo. The VW Polo at #2 and Toyota Etios at #4 continue to shine thank you. For its 2nd month in market, the Ford Ecosport is already up to #13 with 827 sales and 1.5%, while both the Renault Clio IV and Nissan Almera are up one spot to #18 and #26 respectively. Even though we have seen them many times on BSCB, these models are all-new this month in South Africa: the Nissan Sentra at #46 with 259 sales and the Renault Duster at #57 and 183 units.

Previous month: South Africa August 2013: Toyota Hilux #1, Ford Ecosport lands

One year ago: South Africa September 2012: VW Polo Vivo now #1 year-to-date

Full September 2013 Top 80 Ranking Table below.