The year of 2012 has been an exciting year for the South African automotive industry. Despite global and local economic woes, the automotive industry experienced moderate growth in 2012 and according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), the industry is on track to achieve approximately 10% growth in 2012.
A total of 603 642 new vehicles have been sold in South Africa up to the end of November 2012 which is an increase of 8.5% compared to 2011. Here are the top 5 best selling vehicles in South Africa for 2012. The results exclude sales figures for December 2012 and the best selling vehicles in the passenger and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segments are considered.
South Africas best selling new cars for 2012
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 32 726 units
The VW Polo Vivo is South Africas most popular new car for 2012. The VW Polo Vivo has sold consistently well throughout 2012 with its best selling month being August 2012 with 3 714 units sold. The Polo Vivos success can be largely attributed to consumer confidence in the Volkswagen brand and because the Polo Vivo is a well rounded, well priced offering aimed at the entry-level car market.
The VW Polo Vivo is available as either a hatchback or sedan with a variety of engine options ranging from between 55kW and 77kW. Depending on the model, prices range from R108 300 for the 1.4-litre 2-door hatchback and R154 700 for the 1.6 Trendline sedan.
2. Toyota Hilux 31 687 units
Close on the heels of the Polo Vivo is the ever popular Toyota Hilux which like the Vivo, has sold considerably well throughout 2012, with its best selling month being February 2012 with 3 384 units sold. Not only is the Hilux one of South Africas best selling cars for 2012, its also the biggest seller in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, making it South Africas most popular bakkie.
The Toyota Hilux is available in three body styles namely Single Cab, Xtra Cab and Double Cab. A wide variety of engine options are available and prices range from R182 800 to R466 300, depending on the model.
3. Volkswagen Polo 26 360 units
The VW Polo is one of South Africas best selling passenger cars for 2012 with its best selling month being October 2012 with 2 883 units sold. Like the Vivo, the Polo is a well equipped and reasonably priced option for new car buyers in South Africa. The VW Polo is also offered as either a hatchback or sedan and prices start from R157 000 for the 1.4-litre Trendline to the top-of-the-range Polo GTI which is priced at R274 900.
4. Chevrolet Utility 17 927 units
Much further down the pecking order is Chevrolets prize fighter, the Utility, which sold relatively well throughout 2012 with its best month being May 2012 with 1 898 units sold. Not only is the Chevrolet Utility one of the top sellers in the LCV segment, its also Chevrolets best selling vehicle in South Africa.
The Chevrolet Utility is available in three well equipped models offering both petrol and diesel options. Prices range from R119 900 for the Utility Base model to R142 700 for the Utility Club and R166 500 for the higher spec Utility Sport model.
5. Nissan NP200 16 990 units
Like the Chevrolet Utility, Nissans most popular workhorse, the NP200, has sold relatively well for the duration of 2012 with its best selling month being March 2012 with 1 829 units sold. The NP200 is also Nissans best selling vehicle in South Africa for 2012.
The Nissan NP200 is available with a choice of five petrol variants powered by either an 8-valve 1.6-litre engine (64kW) or a 16-valve 1.6-litre petrol engine (77kW). Prices for the NP200 start at R119 450 for the 8V 1.6 Base model and R168 050 for the 16V 1.6 High model.
