Sales of double cabs and SUVs rise

Double-cab bakkies and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are taking over the world, Toyota SA chief executive Andrew Kirby says.

The total South African newvehicle market has shrunk 15% since 2014 but these two categories have seen sales go through the roof.

Double cabs have increased their market share by 60% and SUVs 33% over the period. They now account for 10% and 20%, respectively of the total market and are the only light-vehicle segments to improve their performance over the last four years.

Kirby told a motor industry seminar in Midrand on Tuesday that even small cars, which most people assume are benefiting most from soaring vehicle ownership costs, have lost ground slightly since 2014.

Other car segments have not been so lucky. The category occupied by the likes of Toyota Corolla and VW Golf has shed 33% of its market share while premium car brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have lost 40%.

Kirby said that as double cabs and SUVs – which include the Renault Duster, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Fortuner, BMW X3 and Kia Sportage – had become more sophisticated, fleet and private buyers had been attracted by their versatility.

Automatic cars were also enjoying a boom, growing their market share from 25% to 37%.

Kirby predicted the new-vehicle market would shrink again in 2019.