In October 2012, a total of 57 845 vehicles were sold in South Africa, representing an increase of 2 748 vehicles compared to new car sales in September 2012. The passenger car market was dominated by Volkswagen (9 426 units) and closely followed by Toyota (8 013 units). However, the overall market was topped by Toyota with a total sales figure of 12 139 units. The top 3 most popular car brands in South Africa are as follows:

Top 3 most popular car brands in South Africa – October 2012

??1. Toyota – 12139 units

Toyota is considered to be South Africa’s most popular car brand for October 2012 and although Toyota was marginally behind Volkswagen in the passenger car market, Toyota dominated the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment with sales amounting to 3 724 units.

Toyota’s success in the LCV segment is largely based on the achievements of the popular Hilux which sold 2283 units in October while the Fortuner sold particularly well with 1754 units compared to the 967 sold in September 2012. In the passenger segment, the Toyota Etios was the best selling vehicle with sales amounting to 2625 units and represents a notable increase compared to September’s sales figure of 1736 units.

Toyota – Best selling models – October 2012

2. Volkswagen – 10125 units??

Although not a threat to Toyota in the LCV segment, Volkswagen is the dominant brand in the passenger vehicle market in South Africa. Volkswagen’s dominance in the passenger vehicle market can be largely attributed to the combined success of both the Polo Vivo and Polo models.

In October 2012, the Polo Vivo was the best selling car in South Africa with a sales figure of 3341 units. The VW Polo was the second best selling vehicle in October with 2883 units sold.

Volkswagen – Best selling models – October 2012?

3. General Motors South Africa (GMSA) – 6716

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) performed well in both the passenger and LCV segments in October 2012. GMSA sales in the passenger segment amounted to 3458 units, while the LCV segment accounted for 2994 units.

In the LCV segment, the Chevrolet Utility was the best selling vehicle with 1763 units sold, followed by the Isuzu KB which sold 1199 units. The passenger vehicle segment was dominated by the Chevrolet Sonic with 969 units sold while the Chevrolet Spark sold 688 units.

GMSA – Best selling vehicles – October 2012?