In August 2024, South Africa's vehicle market showed varied performance, with some brands improving sales while others saw declines. Toyota maintained its lead with 10,656 units sold, though this marked a decrease of 475 units from July. Volkswagen (VW) similarly experienced a dip, selling 5,645 units, but still held onto the second spot.

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Suzuki Bucks the Trend

Suzuki bucked the trend with a sales increase, reaching 5,131 units and getting closer to Volkswagen's numbers. Ford and Hyundai retained fourth and fifth positions, selling 2,960 and 2,721 units, respectively. Isuzu followed in sixth with 1,961 units, just shy of 2,000.

Shifts in the Lower Rankings

The Chinese automaker Chery rose to seventh place with 1,626 units, narrowly overtaking Nissan, which landed in eighth with 1,621 units sold. GWM (Great Wall Motors) and Renault completed the top 10 with 1,608 and 1,367 units sold, respectively.

Key Market Trends

Overall, August saw 43,588 vehicle sales, marking a 4.9% decline compared to the same month last year, with dealerships contributing 81.5% of these sales. The rental sector followed with 12.4%, the government at 3.3%, and corporate fleets at 2.8%.

Performance among vehicle categories varied. Passenger cars recorded 30,022 units sold, a 3.1% increase from August 2023, driven by an improved economic outlook, a favorable exchange rate, lower consumer inflation, and easing fuel prices. However, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), including bakkies and minibusses, saw a sharp decrease, selling only 10,709 units – down by 21.5% compared to last year.

Exports also faced significant challenges, with only 28,073 vehicles shipped overseas, a year-on-year decline of 34.3%. This downturn is attributed to sluggish economic conditions in Europe, South Africa's largest foreign market.

Best-Selling Car Brands in South Africa (August 2024)

  1. Toyota – 10,656 units
  2. Volkswagen (VW) – 5,645 units
  3. Suzuki – 5,131 units
  4. Ford – 2,960 units
  5. Hyundai – 2,721 units
  6. Isuzu – 1,961 units
  7. Chery – 1,626 units
  8. Nissan – 1,621 units
  9. GWM (Great Wall Motors) – 1,608 units
  10. Renault – 1,367 units

In summary, Toyota and Volkswagen remain dominant in the South African market despite slight declines, while Suzuki's growth is noteworthy. The rise in passenger car sales is promising, though challenges remain for LCVs and exports.