Toyota steadily increases market share
WITH a total of 12 233 units retailed in August, Toyota Motors South Africa expanded its market share from 23.6% to 26.8% compared with the same month last year, and improving by 2% on the previous month’s figures.
Toyota also outperformed the overall industry, which reflected a decline of 1 476 units, or a fall of 3.1%, from the 47 155 vehicles sold in August 2022.
The brand is firmly entrenched in the top spot for total sales, as is the Hilux with 3 309 units shifted in August, representing an 11% positive movement over July and again the top-selling vehicle in the country.
An interesting statistic is that light commercial vehicles (LCV) accounts for 10% of the total motor vehicle sales, with Hilux occupying a dominant 2.5% slice of the overall market.
On the export front, 6 863
Hilux units were shipped out last month.
Two other Toyota LCV models commandeered positions in the top ten, namely the Hi-Ace in fourth place (1 534 units sold in August), and ninth-placed Land Cruiser 79 (305 unit sales).
As for passenger cars, Toyota likewise holds sway and this was reinforced by good showings for the Corolla Cross, which once again pulled off a podium finish on 2 130 units, as did the everpopular Starlet, which garnered 1 372 sales.
Falling just shy of the passenger top ten are Fortuner, Urban Cruiser, Corolla (hatch, sedan and Quest), and Vitz which recorded notable performances of 651, 523, 507 and 467 respectively.
Parts supply for the month came in at 1 559 906 pieces distributed locally and a further 313 582 exported to foreign markets.
Commenting on the results, Toyota South Africa Motors senior vice-president for sales and marketing Leon Theron, said, “Another consistent performance in a declining market sees Toyota extend its lead in the sales race with a year-to-date monthly average of 11 797 units retailed – the only automaker to break through the 10 000 unit barrier.
“In addition, Toyota’s commitment to providing consumers with a multitude of eco-friendly options, most notably Corolla Cross and the Lexus range, is bearing fruit in the passenger space.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to our loyal customers
and our dealer network for their continued support and exceptional performance.
“And, of course, not forgetting our staff whose resilience, adaptability and willingness
to take on challenges has been instrumental in our success,” said Theron.