South Africa May 2016: Toyota Hilux cements lead, Fortuner up to #5

The new generation Toyota Fortuner is turning out to be a blockbuster in South Africa. 

* See the Top 10 manufacturers and Top 285 All-models by clicking on the title *

The South African new vehicle market continues to skid at -10% both in May to 42.907 units and year-to-date to 227.534 registrations. Passenger cars are down 13% to 27.143 this month but light commercials down just 5% to 13.446 and medium/heavy commercials down 6% to 2.318. Reversely, May exports are up 0.8% to 33.676 units. The Top 10 best-selling manufacturers are unchanged on the YTD order with Toyota leading the way thanks to a 20% year-on-year increase to 22.3% share ahead the Volkswagen Group (15.6%), Ford (13.4%) and Hyundai-Kia (9.7%). Notice Mazda up a whopping 75% to 1.102 sales at #10.

The Toyota Hilux is taking a significant advantage in its battle with the Ford Ranger. 

Model-wise, the Toyota Hilux cements the market leadership it reclaimed last month with deliveries up 22% to 3.185 vs. 2.797 (-8%) for its archenemy the Ford Ranger. Below the VW Polo Vivo (+16%) and Polo (-9%), the biggest surprise of the month is delivered by the Toyota Fortuner, up 136% on the previous generation a year ago to land at a stunning 5th place overall with 1.333 sales, just ahead of the Toyota Quantum (+106%). The Kia Picanto is up 8 spots on April to #13, the Kia Rio up 3 to #14, the Renault Sandero is up 54% to #15 and the Mazda CX-5 up 80% to #27. Among recent launches, the Mazda CX-3 ranks #34, the Renault Captur is at #54 and the Ford Everest at #61. Finally, we welcome the Mahindra KUV100 at #148 and the Jaguar F-Pace at #164.

Previous month: South Africa April 2016: Toyota Hilux reclaims YTD lead

One year ago: South Africa May 2015: Ford Ranger #1, Captur Renault’s instant best-seller

Full May 2016 Top 10 manufacturers and Top 285 All-models below.