South Africa July 2023: Toyota and Hilux lead, Chery at record level

Chery is the 10th best-selling manufacturer in South Africa in July.

New vehicle sales in South Africa edge up 1.3% year-on-year in July to 43,389 units. This leads to a year-to-date tally up 4.4% to 309,359. Passenger Cars are down -9.7% to 27,839 whereas Light Commercials soar 32.6% to 12,666. Note exports surge 47.3% year-on-year for the month to 37,064. Toyota (+52.1%) compensates for low, flood-impacted year-ago volumes and ends the month as clear leader with 24.9% share. It distances the Volkswagen Group (-6.6%) and Suzuki (-7.9%) both in difficulty. Hyundai (-2.9%) and Ford (+1.1%) also can’t match the market evolution. Chinese fare Haval (+35.2%) is up to 7th place, overtaking Isuzu (-2.5%) and Renault (-33.1%) while Chery (+9%) cracks the Top 10 at #10 and scores what is believed to be its highest share at 3.2%.

Over in the models lane, the Toyota Hilux (+194.7%) holds onto the top spot with 6.9% share, very close to the 7% it commands year-to-date. The VW Polo Vivo (+19.6%) returns to 2nd place, a ranking it last held last September. Like last month the Ford Ranger (+13.7%) rounds out the podium with a strong 4.8% share. The Suzuki Swift (+18.9%) is up two spots on June to #4, distancing the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hiace. All remaining Top 10 members are down year-on-year, with the VW Polo (-20.8%) and Nissan NP200 (-14.2%) the hardest hit. Below, the Hyundai Grand i10 (+276.4%), Nissan Magnite (+155%), GWM P-Series (+130.1%) and Suzuki Ertiga (+121%) make themselves noticed. 

Previous month: South Africa June 2023: Toyota Hilux and Corolla Cross top market up 14%

One year ago: South Africa July 2022: First ever win for the Toyota Urban Cruiser in market shooting up 30.9%

Full July 2023 Top 37 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.