South Africa October 2023: VW Group (+34.5%) impresses in negative market

VW Polo Vivo sales are up 44% year-on-year in October.

New vehicle sales in South Africa edge down -2% year-on-year in October to 45,445 units. This means 446,877 new vehicles have been registered so far this year, a 2.1% year-on-year improvement. In the manufacturers ranking, Toyota (-1.1%) reigns supreme with 27.4% share, more than double the #2, the Volkswagen Group (+34.5%) in great shape. Suzuki (+8.9%) also defies the negative market to post a significant gain. No additional Top 10 member is in positive, with Hyundai (-2.4%) and Ford (-5.7%) resisting best and Haval (-46.6%) and Nissan (-27.7%) hit the hardest. Below, Stellantis (+38.2%), BMW Group (+24.6%) and Chery (+5.9%) make themselves noticed with year-on-year upticks.

Over in the models aisle, the Toyota Hilux (-0.8%) easily holds onto the top spot with 7.3% share, with the VW Polo Vivo (+44%) posting an excellent lift in 2nd place. The Toyota Corolla Cross (+4.3%) and Ford Ranger (+2.5%) exchange positions vs. last month to #3 and #4 respectively. It’s a strong month for the Toyota Hiace (+24.8%) up to #5 overall. The Toyota Starlet (+62.5%) and VW Polo (+52.7%) also make themselves noticed in the remainder of the Top 10. Below, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (+23.2%) is up to 11th place, the new Toyota Vitz climbs to a record #12, while the Suzuki S-Presso (+160.2%), VW Polo Sedan (+116.6%) and Suzuki Baleno (+110.3%) all shoot up.

Previous month: South Africa September 2023: Haval, Ford shine in market off -4.1%

One year ago: South Africa October 2022: Toyota monopolises podium, Haval H6 #10 in market up 11.4%

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