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Toyota Celebrates Sales Leadership in South Africa

vuyi on January 14, 2022

By H&H Admin

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) marked 42 years as the best-selling automotive brand in South Africa.

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) marked 42 years as the best-selling automotive brand in South Africa with a remarkable market share of 25.4%.This means that one in every four vehicles sold locally in 2021 was a Toyota product. Out of the industry total of 464 122, an aggregate of 117 659 units were delivered by TSAM.

The last time TSAM registered a market share higher than 25% was in 2003, and it was not necessarily a good year for the industry as total automotive sales were just slightly above 380 000.

This was followed by a few years where Toyota garnered a market share just above 19%. Worthy of mention however is that for the past five years, Toyota has been punching above a 20% share – an unprecedented run of success by any local automotive brand in recent history.

Hilux retains its title as the country’s best-selling vehicle with a total of 36 085 units sold – most of which were double cabs. Hiace also continued its supremacy as the ‘people mover’ of choice with a total of 15 699 models sold. The two heroes, assisted by other light commercial vehicle (LCV) models such as Land Cruiser pick-up and Dyna, propelled TSAM to its highest LCV market share of 42.2%.

Toyota’s market share of 19.2% in the passenger segment is the highest in the last 12 years – matching a similar figure in 2018 – and comes in the wake of two stellar performances by the Corolla Cross in November and December.

Other notable figures were posted by Starlet and Urban Cruiser last year – 12 103 and 8 899 respectively for 2021. Toyota’s truck division Hino posted an impressive market share of 25.1% in the Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV) segment and registered a 5.5% share in Heavy Commercial Vehicles.

TSAM is also proud that its Parts’ Supply business distributed no less than 16 million items to domestic dealers, while close to 4 million pieces were shipped outside of the country in 2021.

Toyota Sales Breakdown

In December, TSAM continued to power ahead with sales of 9 580 – leading in both Passenger (5 603) and LCV (3 699) segments for the second month in a row. The December retail represents 26.6% of the total sales of 35 948 units reported by NAAMSA.

Stand-out performances were recorded by SA’s favourite bakkie Hilux (2 426); the new Corolla Cross (1 752); the affordable Starlet (1 180) as well as the evergreen Hiace (1 024).

Lexus recorded a total of 51 sales, including 20 ES and 10 RX models. Hino recorded a total of 249 sales. The 300-Series posted 150 units while the 500-Series sold 72 models.

Toyota Parts Sales

From a parts perspective, 1.2 million pieces were supplied to domestic dealers while a further 305 000 units were shipped across the borders in December.

According Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM: “The last month of the year is not traditionally successful when it comes vehicles sales. This is mainly due to the limited days of doing business as well as many customers and dealers withholding vehicle registrations in order to record new models in the New Year. However, we are truly grateful for the 26.6% market share recorded last month.”

Theron also paid tribute to Toyota’s employees, dealers and other business partners for their support: “When we established the brand in South Africa in 1961, we focused on establishing a wide dealer network that directly serves customers. We genuinely appreciate all those who have been part of the Toyota journey to date, including dealers, staff as well as all the various brand ambassadors and customers.”

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 – World Premiere

vuyi on June 2, 2021

One of the most anticipated new vehicles of 2021, the Land Cruiser 300, will break cover on the 9th of June, 2021. Following months of rumours, speculation and spy-shots, Toyota’s all-new flagship SUV will officially be showcased during a ‘live event’ press conference.

The Land Cruiser 300 serves as the pinnacle in Toyota’s Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) line-up, and represents the latest in powertrain development and off-road technologies. It also signifies the largest member of the Land Cruiser family (alongside the utility-focused 70-series and ‘mid-size’ Prado stablemates).

The World Premiere will share more detail on the development concept, design, new engine options and tech features.

We’ll share all the details soon.

Land Rover Defender Wins 2021 Women’s World Car Of The Year

vuyi on March 12, 2021

The Land Rover Defender has been named Supreme Winner Women’s World Car of the Year 2021. The triumph is the first time a Land Rover has won the top prize at the awards and is the latest in a series of international honours for the most capable Land Rover ever made.

Defender remains true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hallmark for over 70 years and redefines adventure for the 21st century. Iconic in name, shape and capability, it is available in a choice of body designs and can be personalised with a choice of four Accessory Packs to help owners make more of their world.

The Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) awards are the only car awards in the world with a jury comprised exclusively of woman, with 50 motoring journalists from 38 countries on five continents recognizing the best new models available. The new Defender was named Best Medium SUV 2021 at the awards before being awarded – to coincide with International Women’s Day – the headline WWCOTY prize.

This is a huge honour for the whole team and a reward for the hard work that has gone into creating such a capable vehicle.
– Nick Collins, Executive Director, Vehicle Programmes, Jaguar Land Rover

Nick Collins, Executive Director, Vehicle Programmes, Jaguar Land Rover said: “This is a huge honour for the whole team and a reward for the hard work that has gone into creating such a capable vehicle. Defender has won more than 50 international awards already, which tells us that our original vision for a 21st century Defender was the right one. New Defender combines an unmistakable silhouette with state-of-the-art technology in a design that respects its heritage and delivers authentic Land Rover capability. The result is a family of 4x4s that lives up to the Defender name with an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain and our potent new Defender V8.”

The Women’s World Car of the Year is the only jury in the world made up entirely of women motoring journalists.
– Marta Garcia, Executive President of the Women’s World Car of the Year

Marta Garcia, Executive President of the Women’s World Car of the Year, explains that the Women’s World Car of the Year is the only jury in the world made up entirely of women motoring journalists. “This gives it enormous value because its decisions represent the liking and preferences of millions of women drivers around the globe. But cars have no gender and are not subject to stereotypes, so the winners of these awards are, quite simply, the best cars in the world. And this year’s top winner is the Land Rover Defender,” she says.

The voting was verified by Grant Thornton, from its office in Auckland (New Zealand). The firm has been certifying the results of the Women’s World Car of the Year since its inception in 2009. Paul Kane, a partner in the company, says it is always a hard-fought process.

The new Nissan Navara is coming

vuyi on March 10, 2021

The soon to be launched Nissan Navara stays true to its DNA, offering customers not just a bakkie which gets you from A to B, but one that gives you convenience and ease with every memorable journey.

The soon to be launched Nissan Navara stays true to its DNA, offering customers not just a bakkie which gets you from A to B, but one that gives you convenience and ease with every memorable journey. The bakkie’s comfort features make it the ultimate travel and worksite partner, well-equipped to effortlessly take on new challenges at every turn.

As a result of the increased amounts of sound softening insulation, laminated windshield and front windows, the new Navara offers exceptional ride comfort and features improved quietness, further reducing the stress for both driver and passenger.

For the convenience of the driver, Nissan includes a new steering wheel with improved styling of the instrument panel highlighting the 8-inch navigation screen and a 7-inch higher resolution TFT screen making it easier for the driver to park with the auto folding door mirror and change lanes with confidence.

To further prioritise both passengers and driver, the Navara contains spinal support in the driver seat which promotes ‘neutral’ posture to reduce pressure on the spine, and the rear seats are now even more comfortable, with upgrades to the seat cushions and back shapes. For added convenience, the rear seats are designed with rear armrest cup holders, rear air vents and USB port.

The Navara ushers in a new age of toughness and introduces a new ruggedly bold exterior made for extreme elements; however, one thing that we do not compromise on is the safety and interior comfort of our customers.
– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director.

“The Navara ushers in a new age of toughness and introduces a new ruggedly bold exterior made for extreme elements; however, one thing that we do not compromise on is the safety and interior comfort of our customers. This bakkie is designed to give you exceptional comfort as your adventure travel and worksite partner, well-equipped to take on new challenges while still offering optimal room and quiet comfort that supports you on any road,” said Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director.

The ride comfort on rough roads at any loading condition is further improved thanks to the rain sensing wipers and suspension stroke control by the new dual rate spring. Adding to the vehicle’s stability and handling, Navara Double Cab has a heavy duty 5-link coil rear suspension (like an SUV) versus the usual pick-up leaf rear suspension.

The low friction coil offers noticeably superior ride comfort along with the first-class cabin feeling, inspired by the engine push start button, intelligent key and dual air-conditioning ensuring everyone inside feels the comfort of the Navara. To further ensure that no one feels left out, Navara includes multiple USB points, giving the driver and passengers a chance to take charge and select the music of their choice.

The all-new Nissan Navara will be available for sale in the second half of 2021.

Western Province wing joins Volkswagen as a brand ambassador for Amarok

vuyi on March 10, 2021

Western Province rugby player, Seabelo Senatla has joined Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as the newest brand ambassador.

Free State-born Senatla, who plays for the Stormers in PRO14 and Western Province in the Currie Cup, joins current brand ambassadors, rally legend Sarel van der Merwe and 4×4 specialist and television presenter Andre de Villiers.

Senatla who is also a philanthropist, an entrepreneur and a winemaker, is best known for his talents on the rugby field. He was awarded the World Sevens Player of the Year and South African Sevens Player of the Year in 2016. He also currently holds the record for the most tries for the South African Sevens team (224).

“Seabelo Senatla fits perfectly with the Amarok’s brand motto of ‘Know your power’. He embodies the Amarok’s traits which are speed, strength, intelligence, character and power and we are proud to welcome him to the Volkswagen family,” said Mark Handley, Head of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Brand.

“Key to this partnership is sharing Senatla’s inspiring personal stories of his confident power to succeed in many roles. The partnership with Volkswagen, will also see Seabelo driving our top-of-the-range Amarok 190kW 3.0 V6 TDI,” concluded Handley.

Senatla has signed a three-year partnership with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The Amarok model range, which has been in the local market for over a decade, now consists of the following engines; the 2.0 BiTDI 132kW and the 3.0 V6 TDI 190kW.

New Land Rover Defender named best Premium SUV at #CarsAwards

vuyi on February 18, 2021

The new Land Rover Defender 110 D240 HSE drove away winner of the Premium SUV category at the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank this week.

The Premium SUV category is open to all large SUVs on sale from priced between R1,000,000 and R1,500,000 which offer all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

The new Range Rover Evoque P250 R-Dynamic SE also proudly took second place in the Executive SUV category open to all SUVs priced between R800,000 and R1,000,000.

Finalists in the definitive automotive awards programme are selected from the entire passenger vehicle market. The scoring process is based 50 percent on a panel comprising 14 guest judges, together with the Cars.co.za editorial team. The remaining 50 percent is determined by rankings achieved in an Ownership Satisfaction Survey conducted in partnership with data specialists Lightstone Consumer.

Where winners of the individual vehicle categories are decided by a combination of judging panel scores and consumer data, the prestigious Brand of the Year award is determined entirely by market data and findings of the Ownership Satisfaction Survey which includes respective sales and after-sales service ratings from thousands of South African vehicle owners.

Here Land Rover/Range Rover climbed 12 positions from its results in the 2019/20 #CarsAwards to achieve a respectable second runner-up podium finish.

Volkswagen, still the most awarded brand in the history of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards

vuyi on February 18, 2021

Volkswagen won three category awards at the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards which were broadcast on national television on 15 February 2021.

….as Volkswagen we are proud of how our customers continue to put their trust behind our incredible range of vehicles
– Mike Glendinning, Director: Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Group South Africa.

The wins at the 2020/2021 Consumer Awards come after a record-breaking 2020, where the Volkswagen brand in South Africa achieved a 21.6% passenger car market share, the highest in the history of the brand as well as the highest of all Volkswagen markets worldwide.

“With 50% of the final scores being based on after-sales data that incorporates customer feedback from South African vehicle owners, as Volkswagen we are proud of how our customers continue to put their trust behind our incredible range of vehicles,” said Mike Glendinning, Director: Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Group South Africa.

Widely regarded as South Africa’s most definitive and prestigious automotive awards programme, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, which are supported by WesBank, have become a highlight in the automotive calendar since the inaugural event six years ago.

Volkswagen’s first win of the night was the Compact Hatch category which went to the Polo. The Polo has won this category for the last three years. The Polo is also South Africa’s second best-selling passenger car with 16 335 units sold in 2020.

The second award for Volkswagen went to the Golf GTI TCR which is a final swansong of the Golf 7 model range. With less than a year on sale in South Africa, the Golf GTI TCR won the fiercely contested Hot Hatch category. This is the fifth time in the six-year history of the Cars Awards that the Golf GTI has won this category.

With less than two years since being introduced in the local market, the T-Cross defended its Compact Family Car title with a back-to-back win. The T-Cross has also become Volkswagen’s best-selling imported vehicle with 5 693 units sold in 2020.

“The fact that the locally-manufactured Polo has won the Compact Hatch category for three years in a row, is a testament of our world-class manufacturing facility in Uitenhage. I am also incredibly proud of the how our compact SUV, the T-Cross, has managed to not only defend its title with another win this year, but has become a dominant player in the A0 SUV segment. As Volkswagen gears to launch the Golf 8 GTI in South Africa from the second quarter of this year, the win by the Golf GTI TCR is a fitting tribute to the Golf 7 range in South Africa,” concluded Glendinning.

The Volkswagen brand still holds the record of the most category wins in the history of the Cars Awards; since inception Volkswagen has won 19 categories at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.

Toyota Wins Coveted #CarsAwards Brand of the Year for Record 3rd Time

vuyi on February 17, 2021

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has become the first local automotive manufacturer to win Cars.co.za’s prestigious Brand of the Year for a record third time.

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has become the first local automotive manufacturer to win Cars.co.za’s prestigious Brand of the Year for a record third time. TSAM had previously clinched the inaugural Brand of the Year category in 2016, followed by another win in 2019. To crown it all, this year Toyota also walked away with five product category wins for Hilux, Fortuner, RAV4, C-HR and Starlet.

We are delighted to accept the #CarsAwards Brand of the Year trophy as well as the five others for product categories.
– Leon Theron, TSAM, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Unlike product categories, which are decided by a combination of judges’ scores and consumer data, the #CarsAwards Brand of the Year accolade is determined entirely by market data and the findings of the survey – including, but not limited to, the brands’ respective sales and after-sales service ratings.

Commenting on Toyota’s success TSAM’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Leon Theron says: “We are delighted to accept the #CarsAwards Brand of the Year trophy as well as the five others for product categories. As a company that is entirely committed to providing best-in-class solutions for our customers, we are truly pleased that the market we are serving is acknowledging our efforts. We therefore extend our gratitude to our customers, without whom, no accolade would be possible.”

Arguably one of South Africa’s most premier automotive awards programmes, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards (powered by WesBank), have become a highlight on the automotive calendar since the inaugural event in 2016. This year’s event, also marking the sixth instalment, could not be staged live due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was however broadcast on DStv’s Motorsport HD Channel 215

Get ready to meet the “World’s Most Beautiful Supercar”

vuyi on February 3, 2021

Maserati South Africa is ready to accelerate into 2021 with a line-up of new models and the much-anticipated arrival of the World’s Most Beautiful Supercar.

The luxury Italian car manufacturer will soon launch the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid in South Africa as the first model to kick-start the brand’s new era.

A new consignment of Levante Trofeo models is on its way, accompanied by bespoke versions of the Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte Trofeo
– Nagesh Naidoo, the Dealer Principal of Maserati Johannesburg.

“It is only fitting that the Ghibli Hybrid is the first new model from Maserati to be launched in South Africa. It combines petrol and electric power, which is significant for the future of our brand, and South Africa was host to the hybrid testing mules during their hot weather testing cycle,” says Nagesh Naidoo, the Dealer Principal of Maserati Johannesburg.

Following the introduction of the Hybrid, Maserati will shift its focus to high performance cars, with the launch of a complete range of Trofeo models.

“Last year we introduced – and quickly sold out – the Levante Trofeo with its bi-turbo 433 kW V8 engine. This year, a new consignment of Levante Trofeo models is on its way, accompanied by bespoke versions of the Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte Trofeo,” says Naidoo.

The Ghibli Trofeo and the larger Quattroporte Trofeo are fitted with the same Ferrari-sourced V8 engine but promises a pure driving experience with 433 kW delivered through the rear wheels. Both models will offer a top speed of 326 km/h.

Following the launch of the Trofeo range, Maserati’s most powerful models thus far introduced in South Africa, the focus will shift to the MC20 super sports car.

Maserati’s new MC20 will make its debut in mid-2021 and will arrive in South Africa towards the end of the year. Maserati Johannesburg placed the first South African orders shortly after the model’s global reveal in Modena, Italy, in September 2020.

The MC20 – for Maserati Corse – is the harbinger of a new era of style, performance and passion for the Italian brand. It features a new 463 kW V6 engine, made by Maserati, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of only 2.9 seconds.

This model was voted the World’s Most Beautiful Supercar at the 2021 Festival Automobile International.

WATCH: Andrew Kirby drives the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross

vuyi on February 3, 2021

The new Toyota Corolla Cross, to be built at Toyota’s Prospecton Plant in Durban, will generate R2.85 billion a year in local component purchases and the employment of more than 1500 people.

Watch Toyota South Africa Motor’s CEO and President, Andrew Kirby’s excitement after taking the Corolla Cross for a spin

TOYOTA REVEALS THE NEW PASSENGER MODEL TO BE BUILT IN DURBAN

vuyi on February 2, 2021

This car, the all-new Corolla Cross, is tangible proof of our commitment to the local motor industry, as well as the South African economy.

– Andrew Kirby, TSAM President and CEO.

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has announced that it will be manufacturing and selling the brand-new Corolla Cross in South Africa in the fourth quarter of the year. The model reveal, made by TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby, follows the company’s announcement in 2019 that it was investing R2.43 billion in the production of a new passenger vehicle in South Africa.

Image courtesy of MotorPress
Image courtesy of MotorPress
Image courtesy of MotorPress
Image courtesy of MotorPress
Image courtesy of MotorPress

“We will be manufacturing this very model [Corolla Cross] in both right- and left-hand drive for South Africa and the rest of Africa right here at Prospecton. The Corolla Cross is based on the acclaimed Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and will be built on our passenger car production line alongside the Corolla Quest,” says Andrew Kirby, TSAM President and CEO.

It is the very first time that we will be manufacturing a Hybrid model which I believe will fast become a very popular choice.

– Nigel Ward, TSAM’s Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Manufacturing Support Group

The local production of the Corolla Cross also ushers in a couple of “firsts” for TSAM’s manufacturing team at the Prospecton Plant.

“This is a significant milestone for Toyota South Africa. It’s not often that we get to produce a brand-new body shape in our factory; plus, it is the very first time that we will be manufacturing a Hybrid model which I believe will fast become a very popular choice. And it’s the first time for us to manufacture using the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) – which allows us to keep up with global technology and trends,” says Nigel Ward, TSAM’s Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Manufacturing Support Group.

WATCH: Andrew Kirby introduces the proudly and locally manufactured Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross will be exported to 43 countries in Africa and is expected to push Toyota export volumes to about 15-20% per annum. Toyota is projecting growth of 7% per annum in the SUV market in Africa – offering significant growth opportunities to expand production of this new model.

This is an ideal vehicle for our market as it provides an exceptional balance between drivability, roominess, comfort and high-tech features

– ANDREW KIRBY, TSAM PRESIDENT AND CEO

While the Corolla Cross shares the same TNGA C platform with its namesake Corolla, it boasts a higher ground clearance and other attributes normally associated with an SUV.

According to Kirby: “This is an ideal vehicle for our market. It provides an exceptional balance between drivability, roominess, comfort and high-tech features – truly a game-changing SUV. It combines everything you love about Corolla with the utilitarian and rugged aesthetics of a segment-leading SUV. Overall, expectation is that the Corolla Cross will not only contribute significant sales towards the Toyota brand, but also accelerate growth mini-SUV segment, increase overall size of the passenger market in South Africa and give momentum to electrification technologies.”

“This car, the all-new Corolla Cross, is tangible proof of our commitment to the local motor industry, as well as the South African economy,” says Kirby.

A comprehensive specification, including pricing, of the local models will shared upon product launch in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Mahindra’s XUV300 sets a new safety benchmark for Africa

vuyi on January 29, 2021

The Mahindra XUV300 has been awarded the highest 5-Star Safety Rating by Global NCAP, making the compact SUV the first ever vehicle in Africa to score the highest safety rating among cars tested so far by Global NCAP.

The #SaferCarsForAfrica safety rating shows that XUV300 received 5-star rating for its adult protection in the GNCAP crash tests with the highest ever score. It is also one of the vehicles in Africa to score a 4-Star child safety rating.