South Africa May 2019: Renault (+5.6%), Isuzu (+4.6%) resist in market down -5.8%

The new Duster (+84.3%) helps Renault up 5.6% in May.

New vehicle sales in South Africa skid -5.8% year-on-year in May to 40.506 units, leading to a year-to-date tally down -4.1% to 211.749. Toyota (-8.6%) easily remains the best-selling manufacturer in the country at 24.1% share despite falling faster than the market as opposed to followers VW Group (-2.9%) and Nissan (-1.5%) up 2 spots on April to #3. Renault (+5.6%) and Isuzu (+4.6%) are the only Top 10 carmakers in positive, with the rest of the Top 10 all losing share, Mercedes (-22.1%) and Ford (-14.8%) being the hardest hit. Newcomer Haval remains at a record #12 with 1.6% share.

Model-wise, the Toyota Hilux (-4.5%) is once again the most popular vehicle in the country, distancing the VW Polo Vivo (+28.8%) in outstanding shape, just as the Ford Ranger (-30%), VW Polo (-26.5%) and Nissan NP200 (-25.3%) all freefall. The Toyota Fortuner (+19.7%) also shines in the Top 10 with the Ford Figo (+853.2%), Ecosport (+259.5%), Hyundai Tucson (+205.8%), Nissan X-Trail (+121.3%) and Renault Duster (+84.3%) all post spectacular gains further down.

Previous month: South Africa April 2019: Toyota (+3.3%) stirs market up 0.7%, Haval up to #12

One year ago: South Africa May 2018: Nissan up 26% in market up 2.9%

Full May 2019 Top 37 All-manufacturers and Top 250 All-models below.