Toyota revs ahead of the pack with runaway sales success in tough market

TOYOTA South Africa Motors (TSAM) has once again racked up an impressive sales tally in September, further cementing its position as a market leader despite volatility in the local economic market.

Continued buoyant demand for Toyota vehicles across the spectrum enabled the manufacturer to deliver no less than 11 123 units last month.

Taking a broader scope view, the September aggregate of new vehicle sales stood at 50 675 units, boasting an increase of 7% or 3 318 units from the 47 357 sold in September last year.

Naamsa reports that domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles (LCV), bakkies and mini buses at 14 523 units during September reflected a substantial gain of 11.7% or 1 520 vehicles compared with the 13 003 LCVs sold during the corresponding month last year.

However, it is the Hilux that seems to be enjoying runaway success in the LCV segment.

“Just five units shy of 4 000, the Hilux amassed an impressive 3 995 total – while its closest competitor in the segment managed to register 2 337 units. Other notable star performers include the Corolla Quest with 1 222 units, Quantum with 1 217 and Avanza with 510.

“On the luxury front, Lexus shifted 30 NX, 19 LX and 16 ES models.

“In the truck division, the 300 series was again the top performer for the Hino brand with a 23.3% market share in the medium commercial vehicles segment.”

The September sales saw TSAM staking a 21.9% share in the local market, while its year-to-date share stood at an industry-leading 22.5%.

“While these figures may be confidencethe market remains challenging,” TSAM senior vice-president of sales and marketing Calvyn Hamman said.