South Africa is Toyota country
Toyota South Africa recorded its strongest monthly sales performance of 2026 in July, selling 14,142 new vehicles.
To put these sales numbers into perspective, Suzuki sold 5,994 cars and Volkswagen 5,799 cars over the same period.
The latest sales figures from the Automotive Business Council in South Africa showed that Toyota sold more cars than its three closest competitors put together.
The result translated into a market share of 24.5%, reinforcing Toyota’s leadership position in the South African passenger car market.
Toyota’s performance in July 2026 was driven by success across its passenger, light commercial and commercial segments.
The passenger vehicle segment contributed 8,250 units, while the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment accounted for 5,500 units.
The Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle (MHCV) segments collectively recorded 392 units.
Toyota’s passenger vehicle portfolio delivered significant growth during July. Many of its popular cars sold well.
The Toyota Hilux sold 4,189 units, retaining its position as South Africa’s best-selling vehicle and a leader in the bakkie segment.
The Starlet, with 1,483 units, and the Starlet Cross, with 803 units, demonstrated a recovery from their June performances of 968 and 398 units, respectively.
The Toyota Corolla Cross sold 1,626 units, the Urban Cruiser 968 units, the Vitz 955 units, and the Fortuner 722 units.
Within the Land Cruiser stable, the FJ Cruiser was popular with 344 units, whilst the LC 300 increased sales to 139 units.
“Achieving our best monthly sales result of the year demonstrates the confidence that South Africans place in the Toyota brand,” said Toyota’s Leon Theron.
South Africa’s new vehicle market data
South Africa’s new vehicle market entered the second half of 2026 on a resilient footing, supported by fuel price reductions in July.
The lower fuel costs helped offset the impact of the full reinstatement of the General Fuel Levy, easing pressure on households.
Domestic new vehicle sales in July 2026 reached 57,708 units, representing an increase of 6,150 units, or 11.9%, compared to the 51,558 vehicles sold in July 2025.
In contrast, export volumes reached 32,801 units, down 11.6% from the 37,114 units shipped in July 2025.
The July 2026 new passenger car market reached 40,912 units, reflecting the best monthly passenger figures since September 2014.
South Africa’s transition towards electrified mobility gained momentum during June 2026, with 3,045 NEVs sold.
This was a 104.2% increase compared to the 1,491 units recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
Based on total domestic new light vehicle sales of 51,508 units, NEVs achieved a market penetration rate of 6%.
Total Vehicle Sales by Manufacturer
| Brand | Vehicle Sales |
| Toyota | 14,142 |
| Suzuki | 5,994 |
| Volkswagen | 5,799 |
| Hyundai | 3,058 |
| Ford | 2,927 |
| Chery | 2,709 |
| GWM | 2,504 |
| Isuzu | 2,435 |
| Jetour | 2,034 |
| Kia | 1,920 |
| Omoda And Jaecoo | 1,502 |
| Mahindra | 1,458 |
| Renault | 1,360 |
| BMW | 1,256 |
| BYD | 860 |
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