South Africa October 2017: VW Polo Vivo snaps top spot, market up 4.6%

The VW Polo Vivo is the best-selling nameplate in South Africa in October. 

* See the Top 35 All-manufacturers and Top 256 All-models by clicking on the title *

The South African new car market is up year-on-year for the 5th consecutive month at +4.6% in October to 51.037 registrations, lifting the year-to-date tally up 1.7% to 467.212 units. Passenger cars are up 7.9% to 35.316, with rental sales accounting for 26.1% of this total, while light commercials are down 1.7% to 13.376. Toyota beats the market at +11% to a strong 24.1% share vs. 22.7% so far this year, whereas the Volkswagen Group (-2%) and Ford (-12%) both decline. Hyundai-Kia (+17%), Nissan (+32%), Renault (+51%) and Mazda (+15%) all shine inside the Top 10 while beyond, Suzuki (+151%), Jaguar Land Rover (+40%), Mitsubishi (+37%) and Chinese JMC (+38%) make themselves noticed.

Over in the models ranking, the valiant VW Polo Vivo snaps the top spot for the first time since last January thanks to sales up 6% to 5.7%. The Ford Ranger (-4%) lurks 42 sales below while the Toyota Hilux drops 11% to 4.9% but maintains its YTD leadership at 29.797 sales vs. 27.072 for the Ranger. The Toyota Corolla (+8%) and Etios (+35%) both post solid results, while the Isuzu KB (+47%), Kia Picanto (+70%), Toyota RAV4 (+144%), Kia Rio (+80%), Renault Clio (+191%) and VW Golf (+92%) also shine. The Ford Everest surges 379%, the Nissan Almera is up 272% and the Renault Kwid leads recent launches (<12 months) at #24 above the Hyundai Creta (#30), Toyota C-HE (#48) and the Range Rover Velar up to a fantastic 61st position.

Previous month: South Africa September 2017: Toyota Hilux up 30% in market up 7%

One year ago: South Africa October 2016: Ford Ranger back to #1 in market down 10%

Full October 2017 Top 35 All-mnaufacturers and Top 256 All-models below.