As Africa's largest automotive market, South Africa's car market is seminal for the continent as both an importer and an exporter. This begs the question, which cars sell fastest in the local market? An important caveat relates to the supply of vehicles within the local market as many local automotive sellers could potentially sell more products if the supply of the product they sell would meet the demand. Therefore, the products listed here will predominantly feature locally-produced models as their supply will likely satiate local demand.
Related: Is it free to sell on AutoTrader?
Which cars sell the fastest in SA?*
Looking at the data, if we look at the total market, the Toyota Hilux is the best-selling vehicle in the local market, however, if we look at the passenger car segment, the next best-selling vehicle again comes from Toyota in the form of the Corolla Cross. Let's have a look at the best-selling products within the South African market, regardless of segment.
Related: Which affordable small car is the safest in South Africa?
The Top 5
1. Toyota Hilux- Toyota's Hilux continues to be the best-selling vehicle within the local market, with 3 335 units sold in February 2023 alone!
2. Ford Ranger- Ford's all-new Ranger is a refreshing take on a traditionally utilitarian product with the latest in-car technologies and attractive pricing. The trickle-supply process of this bakkie means that as soon as production meets demand, we may have a new best-seller within the local bakkie segment! Its 1 806 unit tally is just the start for this new model.
3. Isuzu D-Max- Another locally produced bakkie in the form of the Isuzu D-Max means that South Africans love their bakkies, with three of the top five best-selling cars in the country all being "pick-ups". The D-Max managed 1 683 unit sales in February of 2023.
4. Toyota Corolla Cross- The rise of the compact crossover has been cemented by Toyota's Corolla Cross which has taken an iconic nameplate and adapted it to a modern vehicle trend. The locally-produced Cross managed 1 683 unit sales in February 2023 alone.
5. Volkswagen Polo Vivo- The decline of the humble hatchback has been felt by Volkswagen, and despite the fact that the Polo Vivo has managed to register 1 513 unit sales in February 2023, it has lost its place as SA's best-selling passenger car!
*based on the NAAMSA February 2023 sales figures
