South Africa Full Year 2016: Toyota Hilux sovereign in market down 11%

The Toyota Hilux is #1 in South Africa for the 4th year in a row. 

* See the Top 35 All-manufacturers and Top 360 All-models by clicking on the title

Consult 45 years worth of South African Historical Data here

As predicted by local association of manufacturers NAAMSA last year, 2016 is the second consecutive year of decline for new vehicle sales in South Africa, dipping below 600.000 annual units for the first time since 2011. The drop is much harsher than forecast though at -11% to 547.442 units. Passenger cars drop 12% to 361.273, light commercial vehicles decline 9% to 159.128 and medium/heavy commercials skid 19% to 8.447. As was already the case in 2015, the only ray of sunlight comes from exports, up 3% year-on-year to 344.822. Toyota remains the most popular manufacturer in the country, losing less ground than the market at -5% for an improved 21.4% share. It distances the Volkswagen Group (-12%), Ford (-6%), Hyundai-Kia (-9%) in an unchanged Top 4 vs. 2015 whereas Nissan (-14%) overtakes General Motors/Isuzu (-30%) for 5th overall. Mazda (+31%) posts a spectacular gain to break into the Top 10, with Mahindra (+8%), Iveco (+13%), FAW Trucks (+1%) and Maserati (+133%) also in positive.

The Renault Kwid ranked #12 in December. 

Model-wise, the Toyota Hilux holds onto the pole position for the fourth consecutive year, improving its market share to 6.5% thanks to deliveries down just 1%. It even widens the gap with its archenemy the Ford Ranger down 4% to 5.9% of the market. The VW Polo Vivo (-7%), Polo (-8%) and Toyota Corolla (-30%) complete a Top 5 unchanged on 2015. The Toyota Quantum (+26%) is up 6 spots to a splendid 6th place, the Ford Fiesta is up 17% to #11, the Toyota Fortuner up 32% to #13, the Kia Picanto up 64% to #176 and the Hyundai i10 up 33% to #25. The Hyundai Tucson (#41) and Mercedes GLC (#67) are the most popular all-new nameplates for 2016 but a tiny French entry may reshuffle the Top 10 in 2017: emboldened by its tremendous success in India, the Renault Kwid landed directly at #18 in November and climbed to #12 in December…

Previous month: South Africa November 2016: Renault Kwid lands inside Top 20

Previous year: South Africa Full Year 2015: Toyota Hilux holds off Ford Ranger threat

Two years ago: South Africa Full Year 2014: Hilux #1, Ranger and Corolla shine

Full Year 2016 Top 35 All-manufacturers and Top 360 All-models vs. Full Year 2015 figures below.

Full December 2016 Top 33 All-manufacturers and Top 260 All-models below.