8TH GENERATION HILUX Toyota’s Hilux bakkie was the topselling light commercial vehicle in 2015 with 35 684 units
Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota has built on good form to once again be crowned the top-selling brand in the South African automotive industry for the month of January, selling 6 463 units.
A slower start to the auto market in January has not hindered the Midrand-based company, which will continue to operate from the market leader position that it attained for the thirty-sixth consecutive year after 123 028 new vehicles were registered in 2015. The Japanese company now holds an average 22.4% market share.
The company’s popular Hilux bakkie, with a total sales tally of 35 684 units for 2015, was yet again crowned as the nation’s most popu-lar vehicle in January, when 2 773 units were sold. An updated version, which was launched internationally at the Dakar rally, in Argentina, will enter the South African market at the end of this month.
Two of the company’s more affordable models, namely the Etios and Corolla Quest, were represented by a good rental month, with sales of 1 937 and 1 325 units respectively.
Toyota South Africa sales and marketing senior VP Calvyn Hamman says the strong start to 2016 is evidence of the brand’s quality in the South African market.
“We’re delighted with the strong start we’ve had in 2016. Clearly being a tried and trusted brand is a strong purchasing factor in this current economy,” he says.
Hamman believes the introduction of new models such as the new Hilux and Fortuner will only solidify Toyota’s grip as market leader in the South African market.
“The next 11 months will provide the benefits of a number of new models, including our best sellers in the form the Hilux and Fortuner, delivering on our promise to continue offering ever-better cars. We are confident that we will maintain this positive sales trend,” Hamman concludes.