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

The Toyota Hilux is once again the most popular vehicle in South Africa.

Discover close to 50 years of South African Historical Data here.

New vehicle sales in South Africa improve by a solid 13.9% year-on-year in 2022 to 528,963, just under the pre-pandemic total of 536,612 units. This result is achieved despite “global supply chain disruptions, along with the impact of the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, elevated inflation, an upward trend in interest rates and record fuel prices” according to Naamsa. Passenger cars and SUVs increase 19.3% to 363,092, light commercials edge up 2% to 135,666, medium commercials gain 11.3% to 8,370 and heavy trucks and buses soar 11.7% to 21,835.

Toyota dominates the brands ranking once again with a whopping 1 in 4 vehicles or 25% share. It distances the Volkswagen Group at 13.2% and Suzuki at 8.9%, Hyundai at 6.8% and Nissan at 5.8%. Renault and Ford follow with Haval, Kia and Isuzu rounding out the Top 10. Over in the models ranking, the Toyota Hilux (-10.8%) celebrates 10 consecutive years in the pole position, while the VW Polo Vivo (-4.6%) and Ford Ranger (-9.1%) are also down but closing a podium identical to 2021. The Isuzu D-Max (+3.9%) gains one spot to #4 while the Toyota Urban Cruiser (+91.2%) up five ranks to #5. The Suzuki Swift (+93%) also manages a tremendous year-on-year uptick at #6 but the Toyota Corolla Cross (+339.2%) does even better, ending its first full year in market at #7 and ranking #2 in October, November and December. Notice also the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro notching its first Top 10 finish in December at #10.

Previous year: South Africa 2021: Toyota Hilux #1 for 9th straight year, Starlet up to #7 in market up 22.1%

Two years ago: South Africa 2020: Market down -29.1% to lowest in 20 years

Full Year 2022 Top 10 models and Top 10 brands below.

Full December 2022 Top 50 models and Top 5 brands below.