South Africa February 2023: Sales (+2.6%) at highest in 5 years, Ford Ranger up to #2

Ford Ranger sales are up 105.5% year-on-year in February.

Note: January detailed data by brand and models is also included in the data section of this article.

In January, 43,509 new vehicles found a new home, a 4.8% year-on-year increase. Passenger cars are up 2.9% to 31,072 and Light commercials up 10.4% to 10,622. In February, new vehicle sales are up 2.6% to 45,352 units, the highest February volume since 2018. with Passenger cars up 1.1% to 29,976 and Light commercials up 5.6% to 12,972. This leads to a year-to-date volume up 4.3% to 89,434 vs. 85,727 over the same period in 2022. In contrast, Exports skid -11.5% to 30,409. 

Toyota (-14.1%) goes against the market lift with a drastic fall but remains in the lead of the manufacturers charts, followed by the Volkswagen Group (-14.1%). Suzuki (+33%) soars to 9.5% share, distancing Nissan (+49.2%) in even better shape. Hyundai (-10%) struggles, Renault (+3.2%) matches the market and both Ford (+33.1%) and Isuzu (+22.7%) post splendid gains. Kia (+6.1%) also beats the market at #9 whereas Haval (-25.1%) falls hard on a record February 2022 volume.

Model-wise, the Toyota Hilux (-4.8%) edges down but easily remains in pole position with 7.4% share. This month it distances its direct competitor the Ford Ranger (+105.5%) more than doubling its sales year-on-year to land in 2nd place thanks to the new generation. The Isuzu D-Max (+24.7%) is also in excellent shape and makes the podium 100% bakkie (South African slang for pickup). The Toyota Corolla Cross (-0.6%) is once again the best-selling Passenger car in the country above the VW Polo Vivo (-7.4%) and Suzuki Swift (+4.1%). The Nissan NP200 (+26.7%) also shines in the remainder of a Top 10 in which the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro reappears (#10).

Previous post: South Africa Full Year 2022: Toyota Hilux celebrates 10 straight years at #1, solid market (+13.9%)

One year ago: South Africa January 2022: Market up 19.5%, Haval 5th best-selling brand and Jolion in Top 10

Full January 2023 Top 35 All brands and Top 50 models below.

Full February 2023 Top 35 All brands and Top 40 models below.