South Africa August 2024: Toyota Starlet Cross breaks into Top 10

The Toyota Starlet Cross aka Taisor ranks #8 in South Africa in August.

The South African new vehicle market edges down -4.9% year-on-year in August to 43,588. This means the year-to-date volume is now off -6.1% to 333,662. Exports continue to freefall at -34.3% year-on-year in August to 28,073 and -16.8% YTD to 211,035. Toyota (-12.9%) remains the most popular manufacturer in the country at 24.4% share just as the Volkswagen Group (-5.5%) also underperforms slightly at #2. Excellent month for Suzuki (+18.4%), Ford (+8.7%) and Hyundai (+3.2%). Chery (+8.5%) advances to #7 and is the only remaining Top 10 manufacturer in positive. Stellantis (+127.5%) impresses below.

The Toyota Hilux (-23.6%) stays atop the models charts but sees its share thaw to 5.8% vs. 6.4% year-to-date. The Ford Ranger resists at -2.3% and 5.3% share vs. 5% YTD, overtaking the VW Polo Vivo (-21%). The Isuzu D-Max (+0.1%) repeats at #4 ahead of the Toyota Corolla Cross (-23.5%), in difficulty. The Hyundai Grand i10 surges 60% and ranks #6, ahead of a struggling Suzuki Swift (-11.8%). Launched last month, the Toyota Starlet Cross already breaks into the Top 10 at #8 with 2.7% share. This is an Indian import known as the Toyota Taisor there, and a clone of the Suzuki Fronx which ranks #18 this month.

Previous month: South Africa July 2024: 2nd market lift in past year, Toyota Starlet Cross launches

One year ago: South Africa August 2023: Ford, Chery stand out in negative market

Full August 2024 Top 38 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.