WITH a total of 12,233 units retailed in August, Toyota’s market share expanded to 26.8% compared to 23,6% for the same month last year and improved 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.
Entrenched in the top spot for total sales is the ubiquitous Hilux with 3,309 units shifted in August, representing an 11% positive movement over July. On the export front, 6,863 Hilux units were shipped out in August. An interesting statistic is that LCVs account for 10% of the total motor vehicle sales, with Hilux occupying a sizeable 2,5% slice of the overall market. This in turn bolsters Toyota’s leadership in the LCV segment with two other models commandeering positions in the top ten, namely Hi-Ace in fourth position (1,534) and ninth-placed Land Cruiser 79 on 305 sales.
Toyota’s popularity in the passenger car space was reinforced by good showings for the Corolla Cross, which once again pulled off a podium finish on 2,130 units, as did the ever-popular Starlet which garnered 1,372 sales.
Just falling 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 units respectively.
Parts’ supply for the month came in at 1,559,906 pieces distributed locally and a further 313,582 pieces exported to foreign markets.
Commenting on the results, Toyota South Africa Motors senior vice president for sales and marketing, Leon Theron, says: “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 – your resilience, adaptability and willingness to take on challenges has been instrumental in our success”.
