The head of Toyota South Africa Motors admits the competition from new Chinese brands entering the local market is “very real”, saying “we need to respond”…
At the end of 2024, Toyota will mark 44 straight years of serving as South Africa’s best-selling automotive brand (with two months to go, the company’s lead is downright unassailable). But that doesn’t mean the Japanese firm’s local division is unconcerned by the rapid rise of new Chinese brands.
During Naamsa’s recent South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town, we asked Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, for his thoughts on the flood of new Chinese brands entering the local market.
Toyota SA boss Andrew Kirby on stage at SA Auto Week 2024.
“The competition is very real and it certainly does concern us. We know that a lot of the new brands – particularly from China – are attracting a lot of new customers. They’ve got some value propositions that are, you know, initially quite appealing.
“And we need to respond. We need to find ways in which we can compete and differentiate ourselves. It’s not going to be easy, but at the end of the day it’s going to be good for the consumer, because we all will try to do better and better, and create more value,” Kirby told us.
The SA-built Toyota Hilux remains the country’s best-selling vehicle.
Kirby – who has headed up Toyota SA Motors since 2016 – went on to admit that several brands from China were “innovating quickly” and, in some areas, even taking the lead in the industry.
“What’s interesting about the Chinese imports is they have a tremendous focus on the in-car experience – and they really have taken the lead, I must admit. Some of it’s maybe, if I can say, not that user friendly, but the tech is good. We can learn from that and try to accelerate that aspect.
“The design’s getting better and better, and they’ve innovating quickly. We haven’t actually lost market share, but I think it’s definitely having an impact on us,” Kirby said.
Over the past few years, Chinese firms such as GWM and Chery have made significant inroads into the local market, sparking an influx of other brands (most offering high levels of standard specification at comparatively attractive prices) from the world’s second-most populous nation. Recent examples include BYD and GAC Motor, along with Chery subsidiaries such as Jaecoo, Omoda and Jetour, with yet more in the pipeline.
Chery South Africa has broadened its line-up to 4 models with the launch of the Tiggo Cross small crossover, which slots above the strong-selling Tiggo 4 Pro and below the Tiggo 7 Pro/Pro Max. Here is what the newcomer offers and how much it costs.
Although similarly sized to the Tiggo 4 Pro, the Tiggo Cross (which has replaced the former in some markets), has fresher, more distinctive styling and features newer in-car tech than its older sibling. In light of this, it presents as a more resolved package and comes in 2 trim grades: Comfort and Elite.
You can distinguish the Tiggo Cross from its brethren by its gloss black grille (with a diamond-pattern mesh) that is flanked by triple-element LED headlamps – it sprouts a pair of black wings that extend towards the edges of the bumper, where they are bookended by vertical daytime running light clusters.
The newcomer’s flanks feature body-coloured wing mirrors and -handles, as well as metallic lower-door garnishes (that complement the wheels and roof rails), while the side window sills kick up towards the rear, where they culminate in blacked-out C-pillars. The 1.5T Comfort comes fitted with 17-inch alloys, while the range-topping 1.5T Elite has sporty red-coloured brake calipers that sit behind 18-inch rims.
As for the rear end of the Tiggo Cross, it is adorned with a “jewel-like (LED) lightbar (that is) reminiscent of a tiger’s striped coat”, Chery SA says, plus a tailgate spoiler and chrome-trimmed exhaust finishers.
Like in the larger Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8, the Tiggo Cross has a soft-touch dashboard, a leather-trimmed multifunction ‘wheel, black leather trim, a minimalist centre console, as well as an expansive panel that combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system’s 10.25-inch touchscreen. The latter supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and includes Smart Voice Assistant tech.
Standard features include keyless entry, push-button (and remote) start, auto lights and -wipers, dual-zone climate- and cruise control, a 6-speaker audio system, a wireless smartphone charger, ambient lighting, front/rear armrests, a reverse-view camera, 4 USB ports, plus front and rear parking sensors.
Whereas the 1.5T Comfort has 6-way manual-adjustable front seats, the 1.5 Elite has 6-way electrically adjustable with lumbar support, a 360-degree camera system and intelligent high-beam control.
Both variants are powered by a 108 kW/210 Nm 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that is mated with a 6-speed dual-clutch (automatic) transmission. The Tiggo Cross is front-wheel driven and its claimed average fuel consumption, aided by a standard stop/start system and Eco drive mode, is 6.5 L/100 km.
The newcomer’s suspension comprises McPherson struts, with a torsion beam configuration at the rear, with stopping power provided by brake discs all round, of which the front pair is ventilated.
Key safety features include ABS with EBD and EBA, electronic traction and -stability control, hill assist, auto-hold function, tyre pressure monitoring, and a speed limit reminder. Dual front-, side- and curtain airbags are standard, with the 1.5T Elite additionally featuring a centre airbag between the front seats.
The range-topping variant is also equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems: adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, blind-spot detection, plus front-collision- and lane-departure warning.
How much does the Chery Tiggo Cross cost in South Africa?
The vehicle is sold with a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, 5-year/150 000 km standard warranty, 10-year/1 million km warranty for the first owner, and 5 years/unlimited km roadside assistance.
The influx of new Chinese vehicle brands and models has already transformed the South African new-vehicle market and, as local car buyers’ appetite for plug-in and all-electric cars increases gradually, China certainly looks destined to win the EV war.
When Chinese-made vehicles first came to South Africa in the late 2000s, the torpid response by the public (to say nothing of the hostile one by the motoring media) was, sadly, justified in its scepticism.
“Howzit, my China?” became every lazy headline writer’s go-to chestnut to verbalise the cheapjack tawdriness of the clunkers, many of which were patently flimsy, had weird-smelling interiors and odd names (remember the Fudi Lion?); they were shockingly built shameless copies of established products.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of GWM’s first EV model in SA – the Ora 03:
Neither was their cause helped by fly-by-night import efforts offering near-zero aftersales backup; their low prices only underlined the underlying sense of cheap-and-nastiness instead of acting as a genuine incentive to try a potentially smart buy. Alas, the global financial crisis put paid to most such efforts.
As first impressions tend to last, similar to when French brands arrived in South Africa en masse in the early 2000s, almost irreversible damage was done to the perception of the Chinese-made newcomers, fuelling a lasting dismissiveness as well as a healthy dose of customer distrust as the default response.
Cars.co.za’s David Taylor drove the SA-bound Omoda E5 – the all-electric sibling of the C5 – in China earlier this year.
Objectively, there was no way the Chinese brands, as newcomers to the game could credibly challenge established players with decades of experience; be it in vehicle design, engineering or manufacturing.
Chinese brands made giant strides in a short time
But that was then. Since the 2010s, several factors enabled Chinese carmakers to take giant strides in closing the gap to industry leaders. The first was the increased availability of off-the-shelf componentry.
No longer was it a requirement for fledgling carmakers to go through the exhaustive tribulations of developing proprietary transmissions, brakes, steering – even engines – when all of these could be procured from recognised global suppliers.
No need to beat European brands at their own game
Furthermore, serendipitously timed social pressure against passenger-vehicle exhaust emissions and a global shift towards crossovers in the mid-2010s spared the Chinese auto industry the effort and cost of having to develop honed apex carvers that would have taken decades to rival the Germans.
Today, brand heritage and ultimate driving pleasure (with apologies to BMW’s marketers) have taken a back seat to the features, versatility and space tyre-kickers crave most, which finally enabled Chinese brands to compete with their European peers on equal footing in terms of product quality and -offering.
Jaecoo’s opening salvo in Mzansi was the J7, and its plug-in hybrid equivalent is coming to our market too.
However, should an irrevocable shift to EVs occur, which OEMs are increasingly fighting in the European Union as sales of electric cars continue to slow, the game will be up for many (if not most) non-Chinese car brands. Why? Because consumer preference – jumbled in the perfect storm of fading brand loyalty, ever-higher tech requirements and ultimately, affordability – will give Chinese carmakers the upper hand.
A critical battle was won a decade ago when most car buyers started thinking of cars as… appliances. Today, a Chinese brand’s crossover will perform its duties as diligently as its Western counterparts – but it’ll offer more standard features at a lower price. Sure, you won’t be able to hustle it to pole position at your local club race, but neither would you have felt the need to in an equivalent legacy-brand model.
And where does virtually every appliance in your house – and crucially, their batteries – come from? You guessed right. EVs and PHEVs are the final frontier in the equalisation of tomorrow’s car technology.
Legacy brands haven’t rushed PHEV variants to our market, but the Tiggo 7 Pro and 8 Pro PHEVs are coming soon.
Spared the burden of chasing visceral appeal through engineering along with the emotional baggage of internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, EV-championing Chinese car companies are repositioning themselves as tech giants through investment into artificial intelligence, smart technology, ecosystems, autonomous driving and battery development (Chery will mass-produce a solid-state battery with a 1 500-km range by 2027) to become government-subsidised, future-first automotive pioneers.
Everybody else in the automotive industry seems to be fighting with one hand tied behind their back; many established brands are burdened with legacy, labour disputes and poor new-vehicle affordability.
More than 60% of all new EVs are made in China
Global EV sales reached 853 000 in July – only a 6% up from 2023. This unimpressive growth raises concerns about the demand for electric cars and whether the industry can keep up its momentum.
Unquestionably, in Europe, carmakers such as the Stellantis group, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are losing significant market share. On the flip side, sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are booming – jumping 58% year-on-year (at the last count), largely thanks to strong demand in China.
The BMW iX1 was named the Best Electric Vehicle in the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – sponsored by Absa.
Interestingly, BMW has been the outlier, growing its EV market share (from 3.7% to 4.6%), with the i4 and iX1 as the showroom superstars.
Even though EVs typically have lower running costs than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, their high purchase prices and steep depreciation are making people think twice about buying them.
In Germany, which is a key European market, EVs are still about 20% more expensive than their ICE equivalents, even when you factor in subsidies. Many European consumers are still wary of “going electric” because of EVs’ hefty upfront costs and persistent fears of such cars’ weak value retention.
Chinese-owned MG will soon return to our market; the MG4 is one of the top-selling battery-electric vehicles in Australia.
Adding insult to injury, legacy carmakers rely on elaborate supply chains with their own profit demands; whereas in the case of Chinese EVs, almost everything is produced in-house to keep costs down.
These companies’ production facilities already operate almost entirely unmanned, enabling lower production costs through reduced staff costs and the sheer economies of scale of mass production.
The Cyberster is perhaps a halo model – brand builder – for MG, but demonstrates the brand’s lofty aspirations.
Chinese car brands no longer consider highly regulated markets off-limits. Last year, Chery began selling in the UK, Italy, Spain, Poland and Hungary; and it has the US, Korea and Japan in its sights – not just as new markets, but also to sell its tech for use in other brands’ respective car-manufacturing processes.
In 2023, more than 60% of all new EVs sold around the globe were made in China and, granted, that can largely be attributed to sheer affordability – the 5 cheapest EVs in Australia come from China! And, in China, vertically integrated BYD’s cheapest EV costs less than a 3rd of the most affordable Tesla.
Established carmakers have tried building their own batteries in an attempt to control costs, only to fail.
High-tech, high volumes, low cost – that’s the new Chinese tsunami. And, do you know what? As latecomers to the automotive scene, Chinese car brands didn’t even invent anything remotely concerned with cars. Much like Henry Ford, who did not discover the automobile, but pioneered how to build it in bulk, they only took mass production to the next level and made the end product more affordable.
With legacy brands facing an uphill battle and begging governments for increased protection against waves of Chinese imports (also in Mzansi), the motoring world’s about to change, and it’s happening right in front of our eyes. See also:Mitsubishi SA boss hits out at ‘damaging’ new Chinese brands
The BYD Shark PHEV seems destined to become the most powerful new bakkie (320 kW) on the local market next year.
A reduction in EV import tariffs from the current 25% may see battery-electric vehicles and their plug-in hybrid siblings become less expensive and boost the uptake of such variants in South Africa, but you can bet your bottom dollar any model from China will still cost less than a comparable European rival.
It’s either a miracle or a nightmare – or both. But as a cultural phenomenon, it’s definitely unstoppable.
The freshly launched Mahindra XUV 3XO enjoyed a strong October 2024, cracking the list of SA’s 20 best-selling passenger vehicles in its first month on sale…
In October 2024, Mahindra South Africa registered its best sales total in more than a year and a half, thanks in part to the freshly launched XUV 3XO. Yes, the Indian brand sold a total of 1 421 units in Mzansi last month, falling just short of cracking the list of SA’s top 10 best-selling automakers.
The XUV 3XO – which recently hit the market as a thoroughly updated version of the XUV300 – ended October 2024 on a healthy 592 units (all registered via the dealer channel), thus accounting for a considerable 87.7% of Mahindra’s passenger-vehicle sales for the month.
The local range comprises 8 derivatives.
That meant the small crossover snuck onto the list of South Africa’s 20 best-selling passenger vehicles in October, slotting in just behind the locally produced Toyota Corolla Quest (603 units) and keeping the new Hyundai Exter (544 units) off the table.
The XUV 3XO was Mahindra’s 2nd-best-selling product for the month, beaten only by the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Pik Up (709 units), which placed 4th on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies in October 2024.
The crossover was unveiled in India as recently as April.
As a reminder, the Nashik-built XUV 3XO was revealed as recently as April 2024, with deliveries starting in South Africa – the first country outside of the brand’s domestic market of India to welcome this model – on 3 October 2024.
The local range currently comprises 8 derivatives, with pricing running from R254 999 to R404 999. All variants are powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 82 kW and 200 Nm to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission (new to the range) with the same number of cogs.
Unlike the XUV300, the XUV 3XO can be specified with an auto ‘box.
Electronic stability control, 6 airbags and brake discs all round (rather than drums at the rear) are standard across the line-up. Low-spec derivatives feature a 3-year/55 000 km service plan, while higher-spec variants upgrade to a 5-year/100 000 km arrangement. A 5-year/150 000 km warranty is standard in each case.
The facelifted Jeep Wrangler will soon hit SA, ditching its V6 for a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-pot and offered only in 4-door form. Here’s what the updated off-roader will cost…
Ahead of the facelifted Jeep Wrangler’s scheduled launch in South Africa, Cars.co.za has unearthed pricing for this updated body-on-frame SUV. But before we look at what this revised off-roader will cost you, it’s worth noting we’ve also discovered a few significant changes to the local range.
Chief among them, of course, is the adoption of a new powertrain. Yes, the refreshed JL-generation Wrangler 4×4 drops the pre-facelift model‘s naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 “Pentastar” petrol engine (which made 209 kW and 347 Nm) in favour of a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor (with an internal designation of “GME T4”).
For the record, this new 4-pot generates 200 kW and 400 Nm, peak outputs that are down 9 kW and up 53 Nm, respectively, when compared to the old free-breathing 6-cylinder unit. An 8-speed automatic transmission (known as the “850RE”), however, is again standard – though optimised for use with the latest powerplant.
Interestingly, the new turbo engine’s claimed combined fuel consumption is higher than that of the V6, coming in at 11.1 L/100 km (or 11.9 L/100 km in the case of the flagship Rubicon derivative), despite the addition of stop-start technology. That said, the updated model is around 2-tenths quicker from 0 to 100 kph, with a claimed time of 7.6 seconds.
In addition, though the local Wrangler portfolio again comprises a trio of derivatives, the 2-door body style falls away entirely, meaning all 3 variants now feature 4 doors as standard. In each case, a 3-piece hardtop ships standard, with an electric soft-top expected to be optional (at an additional cost of around R60 000, we believe).
As a reminder, the pre-facelift range was made up of the Wrangler 3.6 Sport 4-Door (R1 034 900), Wrangler 3.6 Rubicon 2-Door (R1 086 900) and Wrangler 3.6 Rubicon 4-Door (R1 138 900). So, how does pricing for facelifted model compare?
Well, according to our information, the updated line-up kicks off with the Wrangler Sport 2.0T 8AT 4-Door, which is priced from R1 199 900 (the entry point to the range is thus R165 000 higher than before). Next comes the Wrangler Sahara 2.0T 8AT 4-Door at R1 249 900, while the Wrangler Rubicon 2.0T 8AT 4-Door tops the portfolio at R1 299 900 (up R161 000).
Of course, there’s some extra kit on offer. All derivatives now come with front and rear electronic-locking differentials, paired with Jeep’s Rock-Trac 4WD system on the Rubicon derivative. The latter flagship furthermore boasts a new Dana M220 full-floating rear axle, an “Off Road Plus” function (automatically adjusting key systems according to the prevailing terrain) and the ability to disconnect the front sway bar with the simple prod of a button.
2024 Jeep® Wrangler interior features all-new 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen radio with standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Whereas the outgoing variants came with either a 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreen, the facelifted derivatives all feature a new 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard. Equipment highlights for the Sport grade include remote keyless entry, automatic headlamps, adaptive cruise control, a reverse-view camera, rear parking sensors and an 8-speaker sound system, though this derivative interestingly makes do with 17-inch steel wheels.
The Sahara trim level, meanwhile, adds features such as an anti-spin rear-axle differential, an uprated suspension system, 18-inch alloy wheels, built-in navigation, power-adjustable (and heated) front seats, a heated steering wheel and a handy 230V power outlet.
Finally, in addition to the sort of extra off-roading kit already detailed above, the top-spec Rubicon grade gains features like a Mopar hardtop headliner, uprated axles (fore and aft), 17-inch alloys (wrapped in chunky 255/75 R17 tyres), a vented bonnet (and bonnet decals), red tow hooks, an integrated off-road camera, Nappa leather seats, an Alpine audio system and an auto high-beam function for the headlamps.
As a reminder, the JL-generation Wrangler launched in Mzansi back in July 2019. This facelifted version was revealed in North America (where it can be specified in “4xe” plug-in hybrid form) in April 2023. Styling updates include a revised version of the famous 7-slot grille, new wheel designs and fresh exterior paint colours.
From what we understand, an initial (ostensibly quite limited) allocation of facelifted Wrangler units is scheduled to arrive at local dealerships towards the middle of November 2024, with an official launch likely to take place only early in 2025. Our information furthermore suggests the outgoing V6 model’s 3-year/100 000 km maintenance plan makes way for a 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
How much does the facelifted Jeep Wrangler cost in SA?
The prices above include a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan (as opposed to the outgoing V6 model’s 3-year/100 000 km maintenance plan).
SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in October 2024
What happened on the list of South Africa’s best- and worst-selling bakkies for October 2024? Let’s take a closer look at the sale figures…
In October 2024, South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 5.5% year on year to 47 942 units. The figures suggest the passenger-vehicle segment drove that growth, with sales in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space conversely shrinking 12.7% to 10 791 units.
But what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in October 2024? Well, the Toyota Hilux (2 793 units) remained out in front despite sales of the Prospecton-built stalwart slipping 5.1% compared with September 2024.
Toyota’s Hilux retained pole position in October.
That meant the Silverton-manufactured Ford Ranger had to again settle for 2nd position, with registrations of the Blue Oval bakkie falling 6.9% month on month to 2 217 units. Meanwhile, the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max (1 807 units) recorded its 2nd-best showing of the year (after March 2024) to retain the final spot on the podium.
The KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (709 units) held steady in 4th place, while the Rosslyn-build Nissan Navara (418 units) – which is due to welcome new, more affordable double-cab derivatives to the local range soon – rounded out the top 5 once more.
The GWM P-Series (358 units), Volkswagen Amarok (298 units), Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (128 units) and GWM Steed (116 units) retained 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th, respectively, while the Mahindra Bolero returned to the table to secure 10th position, with 37 units registered in October 2024.
Best of the rest in October: bakkies outside the top 10
Mitsubishi’s outgoing Triton managed 23 sales in October.
What about the bakkies that didn’t make the top 10 in October 2024? Well, the JAC T-Series – the Chinese firm unfortunately reported only a combined figure for its T6, T8 and T9 line-ups, so we technically can’t rank these individual nameplates in the top 10 – managed 107 units.
The outgoing Mitsubishi Triton – remember, the new-generation version is scheduled to start its 3-phase rollout in November – ended October on 23 units, while sales of the Chinese-made Peugeot Landtrek fell further to just 15 units.
Kia back in top 10! SA’s best-selling brands in October 2024
South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded its best month of the year thus far in October 2024. Here’s your market overview, including Mzansi’s most popular brands…
South Africa’s new-vehicle market commenced the final quarter of 2024 on a positive note, with local sales in October 2024 increasing 5.5% year on year to 47 942 units. That, for the record, is the industry’s best month of 2024 thus far (beating July’s tally) and furthermore represents an 8.8% improvement over September 2024’s effort.
The decline in exports, meanwhile, continued, with 23 342 units – a whopping 42.6% down on the same month last year – shipped from South African shores in October 2024. Naamsa, however, believes “an easing of monetary policy in key export markets” could see this part of the industry gain traction again “over the medium term”.
Out of the total reported industry sales in October 2024, Naamsa estimated that 80.4% represented registrations via the dealer channel, while an again significant 14.8% were sales to the vehicle-rental industry, 2.6% to industry corporate fleets and 2.2% to government.
The growth in the local market was clearly driven by the new passenger-vehicle segment, which grew 14.5% year on year to 34 228 units last month. In fact, boosted by rental sales (a considerable 19.8% of that total), that figure represents the highest new passenger-vehicle tally since October 2019. But, as has been the case for several months now, the new light-commercial vehicle segment suffered a year-on-year decline, with sales here falling 12.7% to 10 791 units.
Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), said that despite “persistent economic challenges”, the growth in the passenger-vehicle segment indicated a “potential rebound in consumer confidence”.
“The robust performance in October highlights a favourable change in consumer sentiment within this segment. Although sales in the rental industry contributed to this uplift, the sustained demand for passenger vehicles serves as an essential barometer for overall consumer trends,” said Cohen.
Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, had a similar view, saying that while positivity “began creeping into the market during September”, October’s new-vehicle sales “certainly provide signs of increased optimism”.
“Rental and fleet volumes bolstered the market substantially, but an increase of 14.5% in passenger-car sales overall indicates an uptick in consumer sentiment as the majority of these are retailed off showroom floors,” added Gaoaketse.
New-vehicle sales summary for October 2024
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 47 942 units increased by 5.5% (2 506 units) compared to October 2023.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 34 228 units increased by 14.5% (4 331 units) compared to October 2023.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 10 791 units decreased by 12.7% (1 576 units) compared to October 2023.
Export sales of 23 342 units decreased by 42.6% (17 324 units) compared to October 2023.
10 best-selling automakers in South Africa in October 2024
October represented Suzuki’s best effort of 2024 thus far.
Toyota reported its best sales month of 2024 thus far, with a whopping 11 891 units (including the Lexus and Hino brands) registered in October 2024. The 2nd-placed Volkswagen Group (6 340 units, including Audi) likewise enjoyed its strongest performance of the year, as did Suzuki (6 006 units) in 3rd, with the latter Japanese brand cracking the 6 000-unit mark for the first time.
Meanwhile, Ford (2 965 units) squeezed past Hyundai (2 913 units) to grab 4th position in October, forcing the South Korean firm down a ranking to 5th. Isuzu (2 251 units) held steady in 6th place, while Chery (1 831 units) gained a spot to 7th, pushing fellow Chinese automaker GWM (1 796 units) into 8th.
Renault (1 734 units) again settled for 9th spot, while Kia (1 508 units) made a return to the table to snaffle the final position, marking the first time this year the South Korean brand has made the top 10. Propelled by strong sales of its new XUV 3XO, Mahindra hit a total of 1 421 units to fall just short of cracking the top 10, while Nissan (1 304 units) tumbled down to 12th position with its weakest effort of the year.
The BMW Group (1 007 units, by Naamsa’s estimates) again found itself in 13th, while Omoda & Jaecoo (605 units) climbed to 14th, finishing ahead of Mercedes-Benz (with a Naamsa-estimated 474 units). That meant Stellantis dropped out of the top 15 in October 2024, with 402 units registered.
1. Toyota – 11 891 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 6 340 units
3. Suzuki – 6 006 units
4. Ford – 2 965 units
5. Hyundai – 2 913 units
6. Isuzu – 2 251 units
7. Chery – 1 831 units
8. GWM – 1 796 units
9. Renault – 1 734 units
10. Kia – 1 508 units
Sales outlook in SA for remainder of 2024
What’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market as the year draws to a close? Well, Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa says October 2024’s strong performance “bodes well for signs of the new-vehicle market slowly turning”.
“Positive indicators of further potential growth include an easing in annual consumer inflation for a 4th consecutive month to 3.8% in September, the lowest level since March 2021, when the rate was 3.2%. In addition, petrol prices [are] at the lowest point in nearly 3 years, creating some breathing space for households,” he says.
Mabasa adds that consumers and businesses can “also look forward to a start of an interest [rate] cutting cycle over the next 18 months”, which should “positively impact some level of relief in expensive debt and provide a stimulus to market sentiment”.
“Although the immediate effects of these positive signs [are] still relatively small, the cumulative impact and momentum going forward [will] hopefully translate into stronger new-vehicle sales in the medium- to long term,” Mabasa explains.
Meanwhile, NADA’s Cohen suggests it will still take “some time” to realise the benefits of easing inflationary pressures and the predicted interest-rate cutting cycle, saying “affordability is still a concern for buyers” and that “this pressure is evident nationwide”. Still, he remains optimistic.
“The South African automotive sector continues to adapt and evolve under challenging conditions. With ongoing government support, proactive consumer engagement by our dealer network and positive economic indicators on the horizon, we remain optimistic about the industry’s role in South Africa’s broader economic recovery,” concludes Cohen.
Finally, WesBank’s Gaoaketse says the various positive indicators “will – over time – provide much-needed relief for stressed” household budgets. “But they will take time to stimulate new-vehicle sales while those same budgets recover from rising debt”.
“We expect further relief in interest rates during November, which should continue to bolster consumer sentiment and business confidence While the market will continue to remain under pressure, all the indicators are in place for the slow recovery of the market to continue,” says Gaoaketse.
VW Golf GTI vs Ford Raptor Drag Race: Bulletproof Beast Showdown!
How much is performance does a bulletproof VW Golf GTI lose when pitted against a standard Golf GTI? And… Can the GTI beat a bulletproof Ford Ranger Raptor? We set up a drag race to find some answers, watch the video!
We recently tested and reviewed the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI AK47, but we wanted to see whether all that extra weight to make it bulletproof badly affected its ability in a real-world chase. We borrowed a standard Golf 8 GTI and raced it against SVI’s AK47 proof Golf GTI in a drag race with a twisty slalom to see what happened.
Then, just for a bit of fun, SVI loaned us their B4 handgun-proof Ranger Raptor to drag race against the Golf GTI. Both cars have identical claimed 0-100 km/h times so it was going to be a super close race.
Watch Jacob Mashokoa and Ash Oldfield duel it out at the Rhino Park runway.
Car Depreciation: Which Adventure SUV Holds Value Best?
Car depreciation is a major cost associated with car ownership and this article sheds light on the depreciation of popular models in the Adventure SUV segment using data from Cars.co.za. Between the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, which one of these adventure SUVs retains value better in South Africa? Let’s find out!
The cost of car ownership is multi-layered and costs such as fuel, maintenance, insurance and depreciation are often overlooked by car buyers. The true cost of car ownership is therefore often much higher than what car buyers anticipate.
Paying for a car is the first major cost that any car buyer needs to overcome. A cash purchase is cheaper than a finance deal because there’s no interest cost incurred over time, but paying off a vehicle is more affordable than an outright cash purchase, making the latter option preferable for many car buyers.
After purchasing a car, the 2nd biggest cost that a car buyer has to confront is the inevitable cost of depreciation, the topic of this article.
What is Car Depreciation?
Car depreciation can be defined as the rate at which a car loses its value over time. All new or modern cars (unless it’s a rare collectable car) will lose value over time from the moment it is driven off the dealership floor.
Different brands and models will depreciate at different rates for various reasons, including market factors (supply and demand), brand reputation, model reliability, age, vehicle condition and -history, etc.
The general depreciation pattern is that new cars will depreciate the fastest in the first 1 to 3 years of ownership and then the rate of depreciation tends to decrease and level off as the car ages.
Why is car depreciation important to you?
Car depreciation is important because it’s money that you will lose and it impacts your financial status. Depreciation also has a direct impact on the resale value of a car.
Having knowledge of depreciation and how it affects the value of a car is beneficial for used car buyers because it gives them an indication of the best time to buy a used car, saving the buyer money.
As the 1st article in our Car Depreciation article series, we focus our attention on the popular Adventure SUV segment, which includes models such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X.
The depreciation results presented here are derived from historical used-car data from Cars.co.za. Note that the figures shown here are merely indicativevalues and are not definitive, as the factors that impact car depreciation are always changing.
Annual Car Depreciation: Toyota Fortuner vs Ford Everest vs Isuzu MU-X
Average brand depreciation
The general perception in the market is that Toyota models retain value better than those of many other car brands. Toyotas are often sold on this premise and our data generally supports this assertion.
Looking at historical used car data from Cars.co.za, the Toyota brand has the lowest overall average rate of annual depreciation compared to Ford and Isuzu.
Currently, Toyota has an average annual depreciation percentage of 6.8% compared to Ford at 9.1% and Isuzu at 11.8%.
Average annual depreciation: Toyota Fortuner vs Ford Everest vs Isuzu MU-X
To help us illustrate the impact of depreciation, meet Bongani.
Bongani is an accountant living and working in Johannesburg. Bongani is married and has 3 children. He needs a larger vehicle for his family, but he also wants to take his family on holiday adventures.
Bongani wants to make the best possible buying decision that will make the most financial sense for him and his family.
To do this, Bongani visited Cars.co.za, South Africa’s leading online motoring portal and read reviews and watched videos on all 3 of these cars. Bongani also found this article on car depreciation and it ultimately saved him thousands of Rands.
Which one of these 3 cars holds its value better over time and how much value is lost to depreciation over a 5-year period? Let’s take a closer look!
Toyota Fortuner
The Fortuner has been a huge success for Toyota and it’s a popular model in the used car market.
If Bongani bought a new Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 automatic in 2020, this is an example of how much value the Fortuner would lose under average wear-and-tear conditions. Note that actual used car data from Cars.co.za is used to formulate the examples below.
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Total
AverageValue
R736 000
R628 544
R664 371
R648 426
R612 763
R545 359
Average Annual Depreciation %
14.6%
-5.7%
2.4%
5.5%
11%
6%
Loss in Rands
R107 456
+R35 827
R15 945
R35 663
R67 404
R190 641
A new 2020 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 automatic was priced at R736 000.
Note that Bongani’s Fortuner lost R190 641 or 26% of its value over a 5-year period. Interestingly, and against the general trend, the Fortuner gained some value in 2021 as demand for quality used cars surged during Covid and then took a larger depreciation knock in 2024.
If you are considering buying a used Toyota Fortuner, we suggest looking at Fortuners older than 2 to 3 years (2022, 2021, 2020, etc) to avoid the brunt of depreciation.
Historically, the Ford Everest has been a main rival to the Toyota Fortuner, but with the arrival of the new-generation Everest in 2022, Ford’s adventure SUV has moved upmarket and is now perhaps more comparable to the new Toyota Prado.
Nonetheless, let’s pretend Bongani walked into a Ford dealership in 2020 and purchased a previous-gen Ford Everest 3.2TDCi 4×4 XLT. How much would that Everest have lost in value over 5 years? Let’s see!
Ford Everest 3.2 TDCi 4×4 XLT
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Total Loss
Average Value
R715 300
R572 240
R626 031
616 641
R524 145
R444 475
AverageAnnual Depreciation %
20%
-9.4%
1.5%
15%
15.2%
8.5%
Loss in Rands
R143 060
+R53 791
R9 391
R92 495
R79 670
R270 825
In 2020, a Ford Everest 3.2 TDCi 4×4 XLT was priced from R715 300.
Note that the Everest lost R270 825 or 38% of its value over 5 years. Much like the Fortuner, the Everest also experienced a year of value appreciation in 2021, but a heavy depreciation blow was dealt in 2023 and 2024, resulting in a higher loss in value compared to its Fortuner rival.
If you’re interested in a used new generation Ford Everest, we suggest that you consider a used Ford Everest that’s 2 to 3 years old to avoid the brunt of depreciation.
Isuzu has a loyal following in South Africa by virtue of the Japanese brand’s strong reputation for reliability and 4×4 ability. An updated Isuzu MU-X is expected to arrive in South Africa in 2025.
How well does the Isuzu MU-X retain its value over time? Examine the table below.
Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD 4×4
2020
2021
2022
2023
2022
Total Loss
Average Value
R712 200
R621 038
R600 544
R607 571
R527 372
R479 381
Average Depreciation %
12.8%
3.3%
– 1.1%
13.2%
9.1%
7.5%
Loss in Rands
R91 162
R20 494
+R6 606
R80 199
R47 991
R233 240
If Bongani purchased an Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD 4×4 in 2020, he would have paid about R712 200. Over the course of 5 years, the MU-X lost a total of R233 240 or 33% of its value. Note that the MU-X also experienced a period of appreciation in 2022, but not to the extent seen for the Fortuner and Everest.
If you want to avoid depreciation, consider an Isuzu MU-X that’s 2 to 3 years old.
The data shows that a Toyota Fortuner is indeed likely to hold its value better over time compared with its Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X rivals. It might, however, come as a surprise to some that the Ford loses more value over time compared with the Toyota and Isuzu.
With the knowledge and understanding of how depreciation affects the value of a car over time, Bongani decided to forego his urge to buy a new car, knowing that it would lose a substantial amount of value in the first 1 to 3 years. Instead, Bongani decided to search for a used car on Cars.co.za.
He found a large selection of quality used cars to choose from and he decided to buy a well-looked-after, 3- to 4-year-old Toyota Fortuner with under 100 000 km on the odometer. Bongani financed the car over 72 months, but he put down a deposit to further reduce his monthly instalments. He intends to pay off his car within 3 to 4 years to avoid the total cost of interest over the 6-year lifespan of the loan period.
By implementing the above strategy, Bongani has managed to save a substantial amount of money, ultimately improving his financial health.
Bongani is currently on holiday enjoying time with his family.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced its revised V-Class first-class MPV in South Africa. The V300d Exclusive, available as a 6-, 7- or 8-seater, incorporates the model’s latest aesthetic updates, numerous luxurious appointments and a host of safety tech.
With a 3-pointed star perched on its bonnet, a sizeable 5-slat grille framed by an LED light band (and flanked by adaptive Multibeam LED headlamps), chrome-accented side skirts that complement the finishes of the side-window sill, roof rails and 19-inch light Monobloc alloy wheels, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class V300d Exclusive is undoubtedly the most posh-looking new MPV in the South African market.
The German luxobus’ rear end even features LED taillamps, a chrome accent and AMG tailgate spoiler!
To complement the newcomer’s imposing appearance, the V300d Exclusive boasts an “impeccably crafted interior, where every detail exudes pure luxury and comfort”, Mercedes-Benz SA says.
At the front of the cabin, the elegantly designed fascia (which is optionally available with open-pore, wood-look trim) is lashed with metallic accents, bookended by ornate circular air vents and dominated by a widescreen panel (a combined 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 12-inch touchscreen). Buyers can choose between black (standard), Tartufo (brown) or light beige Nappa leather cabin trim.
Standard features abound: they include keyless start wireless smartphone charging, heating and cooled electrically adjustable front seats (with tray tables at the back), auto climate control and semi-auto aircon at the rear, a Burmester audio system, panoramic sliding roof, an ambient LED lighting system featuring 64 colours, as well as rear seat climate control (if you specify individual seats in the 1st and 2nd row).
Speaking of the seating configuration, the V300d Exclusive can be configured in several ways to suit a variety of requirements. As standard, it’s a 7-seater, with 2 seats in the 2nd row, which can be turned around to create a lounge-style experience, with a fold-out table, plus a 3-seater bench at the back.
What’s more, Mercedes-Benz says the 3-seater bench’s backrest can be fully reclined from an upright position to create a “comfort bunk” for napping or sleeping. In conjunction with a separate, black fabric bed extension, the bench can be used to create a comfy, level area of about 1.35m wide and 2m long.
If buyers want the V300d Exclusive to be a 6-seater, they can specify 2 individual seats in the 2nd- and 3rd rows. The individual seats have armrests, height-adjustable head restraints and backrests that can be individually adjusted, feature integrated 3-point seat belts and offer under-seat stowing capability.
The 2nd-row seats can also be upgraded to first-class-style luxury seats (at R95 805 apiece, according to Benz’s October 2024 price list). These seats are opulent – they’re electrically adjustable, offer seat climatisation and massage functions, plus feature ambient lighting and built-in stowage compartments.
If you require maximum people-carrying capacity, however, buyers can also opt to order a 3-seat bench for the 2nd row (with a foldable outer seat) to create an 8-seater (it seats the driver and 7 passengers).
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class comes equipped with an extensive list of safety and assistance systems, including Highbeam Assist, Headlamp Assist with rain sensor, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, plus Attention-, Blind Spot- and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
The parking package, featuring a 360-degree camera, simplifies parking with 3D visualisations and includes Active Parking Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a handy trailer manoeuvring assistant.
As before, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 174 kW/500 Nm, in combination with a 9-speed automatic transmission. An Agility Control suspension system is standard, the sliding doors are electrically operated (on both sides of the vehicle), the luggage capacity ranges from 610 to 5 010 litres, and the model has a GVM of 3 200 kg.
The new V-Class is available in a choice of 7 paint finishes: High-tech Silver Metallic (standard), Kalahari Gold Metallic (new), Sodalite Blue Metallic (new), Hyacinth Red Metallic, Rock Crystal White Metallic, Dark Graphite Grey Metallic, and Obsidian Black Metallic.
What does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class cost in SA?
Mercedes-Benz V300d Exclusive
R2 254 000
The asking price includes a 5-year/100 000 km warranty, while a PremiumDrive (maintenance) plan is optionally available for 5, 6, and 7 years, covering distances from 100 000 to 140 000 km. The minimum 5-year/100 000 km PremiumDrive Plan costs R48 530 (based on the model’s October 2024 price list).
