Naamsa’s latest new vehicle sales report indicates a resilient SA automotive industry, demonstrating steady sales despite ongoing global economic headwinds. March 2025 saw an overall sales increase of 12.5% (49 93 units) compared to March 2024, alongside a strong export performance of 9 354 units, highlighting the sector’s ability to sustain growth in a challenging environment.

The passenger car segment led new vehicle sales in March with 33 447 units, a significant increase of 6 756 cars compared to March 2024. naamsa attributes this consumer-driven demand and stable lending environment as key sales drivers, a trend reflected in Toyota SA’s (TSAM) performance. With 11 660 vehicles sold in March, TSAM maintained its market leadership with a 23.6% market share, topping sales charts across Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, and Medium Commercial Vehicles.

Leon Theron, senior vice president for sales and marketing at TSAM, commented: “I am delighted with the exceptional performance of our Toyota and Lexus brands, maintaining a 23.6% market share and leading in three segments. Despite the challenging economic climate and upcoming tax changes, we are optimistic about continued positive momentum. These results are a testament to the hard work of everyone in the TSAM value chain.”

Brand performance highlights

Toyota’s passenger car segment accounted for 61% of their 11 660 units sold in March, showing strong upward trends for the Corolla Cross (1 570 units), Fortuner (793 units), and Lexus (138 units) compared to February 2025. The Corolla Cross also secured third position on the best-seller list. The Starlet (1 075 units) ranked ninth despite a slight sales dip.

The Lexus brand demonstrated impressive overall performance, with the Lexus GX (63 units) leading despite its order book opening only in February 2025, marking a remarkable reception for its UK entry in the luxury off-road SUV segment. The Lexus NX followed closely with forty units sold.

Marking 2025 as the ‘Year of the Legend’, the Hilux reaffirmed its top-selling bakkie status in the SA with 2 916 units sold, while the Land Cruiser Prado also showed an upward trend with 495 units.

Despite naamsa’s report of weaker performance in the medium and heavy truck segments, Toyota displayed resilience with increased sales of the Hino 300 (116 units) and Coaster Bus (83 units). The Hino 500 and 700 collectively sold 132 units within heavy commercial vehicles.

March 2025 was a strong month for TSAM’s fleet business, contributing 3 894 units (40.8% of dealer sales), reflecting business partners’ trust in the Toyota brand and the performance and versatility of its fleet product line-up, with key models including the Corolla Cross, Hilux Double Cab, and Urban Cruiser.

Source: MotorPress