According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa a total of 53 997 new vehicles were sold in May 2013 reflecting a 7.5% increase from the 50 247 units sold in May 2012. Despite indications of a slow down in economic growth, the South African automotive sector has continued to perform relatively well on a year to date basis. Here is a breakdown of the best selling new car brands for May, as well as each brand’s top 5 selling vehicles.

South Africa’s Top 3 selling new car brands

1. Toyota – 10 370 units

Toyota sales for the month of May are in line with expectations and remains the strongest month since the market peaked in 2007. The Hilux bakkie is the brands best selling car with total sales of 3076 units, while other locally produced Toyota models performed ahead of their various market segments including the Fortuner which sold 940 units.

Toyota top 5 selling new cars

2. Volkswagen Group SA – 9644 units

Volkswagen accounted for 9644 of the totals car sales with a market share of 17.8%. In a month in which the industry saw strong growth in the sub-1 ton/bakkie segments. Volkswagen sold 800 units, but also saw a healthy consumer demand in the passenger car segment, especially with the popular Polo and Polo Vivo line-up.

Volkswagen top 5 selling new cars

3. GMSA – 5956 units

General Motors South Africa achieved a market share of 11% with a total of 5956 units sold for the month of May. Within the GMSA range the Trailblazer continued to grow its presence in the market with a best to date performance of 413 sales for the month, while the Chevrolet Utility again dominated the sub-1 ton segment with 1853 units.

GMS top 5 selling new cars