Image: Toyota

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Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) once again used its annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event as a platform to provide insights into the continually evolving automotive landscape. The event featured key presentations from TSAM’s President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, and Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Leon Theron.

Related: Toyota Confirms Four Refreshed Models for SA at SOMI

In his presentation, Kirby shared a few industry-related trends being noticed:

1. Consumers are increasingly opting for smaller, more affordable vehicles, as evidenced by a shift from C- and D-segment cars to the B-segment. Data from Lightstone Auto reveals that the average selling price of passenger vehicles declined by 2.27% in 2024, reinforcing this trend.
2. The SUV and crossover segment continues to expand. In 2018, 114 model ranges fell into this category; by 2024, that number had grown to 166, with SUVs now accounting for more than half of all passenger vehicle sales.
3. Modern consumers expect a more immersive driving experience. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, even in entry-level models such as the Toyota Starlet Cross. Personalisation, connectivity, and intuitive user interfaces—such as those found in the Lexus RX—are becoming industry norms.
4. South Africa is increasingly sourcing vehicles from India and China. Kirby noted a significant shift in global production, with China’s market share growing from 29% in 2018 to 32% in 2023. Meanwhile, German manufacturing has slipped from the top five globally. Locally produced vehicle sales have also declined, from 46% in 2018 to 43% in 2023, while imports from India and China have surged from 18% to 37% in the same period.
5. Kirby and expert panellist Greg Cress highlighted the rapid adoption of NEVs. While globally, one in five cars sold is an EV, South Africa has lagged behind. However, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s success—jumping from 4 000 units in 2022 to an expected 12 500 in 2024—signals a shift. Cress predicted that without BEV incentives, mass adoption (5% of the total) would occur only by 2032, whereas with proper incentives, this milestone could be reached by 2029.

Related: Toyota Warns Subsidised Chinese Imports Could Further De-Industrialise SA

More importantly, Kirby added that the South African auto sector needs to strive to sell more than 600 000 new vehicles throughout the year which will help place the country in a more favourable position for foreign investment. The market has still not yet recovered from pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels but panellists including Mikel Mabasa from Naamsa were encouraged by an upswing in consumer sentiment following the formulation of the GNU.

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Image: Toyota

Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag!

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) once again used its annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event as a platform to provide insights into the continually evolving automotive landscape. The event featured key presentations from TSAM’s President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, and Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Leon Theron, alongside special guest Rory Reid from the UK.

In his keynote address titled “The Year That Was”, Kirby delved into the challenges facing the South African motor industry, emphasizing the need to push annual vehicle sales beyond the 600 000-unit threshold. As it stands, the South African market has not yet increased to sales figures from pre-COVID-19 and has been hovering under the 550 000 mark for some time. Achieving this, he argued, would create the scale required to attract further foreign direct investment.

Related: Did Red Bull Miss Out On Something By Signing Lawson?

While the South African government’s recent policy to incentivise battery electric vehicle (BEV) production is a step forward, Kirby cautioned that more substantial support is needed to safeguard the country’s automotive production sector. The ongoing trend of de-industrialisation and a decline in local content—now below 40% for domestically manufactured vehicles—only adds to these concerns.

Related: Toyota Confirms Four Refreshed Models for SA at SOMI

Kirby remained cautiously optimistic in his sales forecast of 535 000 units for 2025—a 3.7% increase on 2024 figures—though he humorously suggested that he might need to “put a more positive spin on the numbers.” However, he reiterated that any meaningful growth would depend on continued interest rate cuts and fuel price stabilisation.

While the automotive landscape globally and locally is ever-evolving, one of the key concerns mentioned by Kirby that was further extrapolated was the general acceptance of subsided Chinese imports to South Africa. Kirby added that there is an increase in sourcing vehicles from India and China and there has been a significant shift in global production, with China’s market share growing from 29% in 2018 to 32% in 2023. In a private discussion with Kirby, the Toyota head honcho encouraged the competition, considering the end consumer benefits but warned that it could have a significant toll on South Africa’s employment sector and GDP.

During the presentation, other key stats show that German manufacturing has slipped from the top five globally while locally produced vehicle sales have also declined, from 46% in 2018 to 43% in 2023. At the same time, imports from India and China have surged from 18% to 37% in the same period. Not to be confused with adding more stringent import tariffs on the subsidised products entering our market from abroad, Kirby added some legislation should be considered to ensure a fair market for all competing.

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Image: MG

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Following a dotted past in the country, the MG brand signalled its return to the market during a grand launch event in Johannesburg last week. The iconic MG octagon hasn’t changed, but the people who managed and controlled it have. Very shrewdly, the MG branding rights were purchased by SAIC Motor (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), a Chinese state-owned carmaker based in Shanghai and also the owner of new local entrant LDV (and Maxus). It is a continuation of the original MG marque that had Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of South Africa, Wu Peng in attendance. The diplomat expressed his appreciation for the brand’s arrival and highlighted the strengthening ties between the two nations.

Related: MG Announces SA Line-up — Pricing and Specs

Heading up the brand in South Africa is Sky Zhang, who stated: “I am thrilled about this new era for MG in South Africa” and also emphasised the brand’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge vehicles designed to surprise and delight customers. Zhang traced the marque’s history back to its British roots in 1920 and shared some nostalgic story on the pioneers that brought its first creations to life. William Morris, of Morris Garages (MG) quickly evolved the brand into one synonymous with performance but with Cecil Kimber as a guiding light, MG gained a reputation for producing faster, sportier vehicles, starting with the 14/28 Super Sports, which boasted a then-impressive top speed of 104.6 km/h.

Image: MG

Perhaps true to that original form, the SUV-heavy lineup is complimented by the Cyberster which serves as the world’s very first open-top all-electric coupe that delivers impressive performance figures. This was unveiled at the launch event with murmurs stating that more than a dozen have been delivered to local customers already but it was the two other SUVs which will likely serve as the bread and butter for MG’s initial model lineup for South Africa. On display was the long-in-the-tooth but affordable ZS compact crossover and the more contemporary and slightly larger HS SUV. The Chinese automaker hopes the three-model lineup will ruffle feathers in the local market and plans future releases, including several mystery models set to debut in the near future. These upcoming models are expected to expand MG’s footprint in the ever-crowded B-segment market, featuring a mix of internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid variants, as well as what they claim will be an affordable battery-electric vehicle (BEV) too.

Related: Review: MG HS

Like other brands that have come and gone before it, earning market trust will be MG’s most onerous challenge, then needing to overcome the sea of compelling products from other compatriot Chinese OEMs. On this, MG added that its new ownership is here and has the backing to win the market over. With SAIC at the helm of bringing the defunct MG back into global prominence since 2007, MG remarked that the OEM in China is ranked 84th on the Fortune Global 500 list, and boasts 332 affiliated companies, 207 000 global employees, and 5.02 million vehicle sales in 2023. MG alone contributed 840 000 global sales, with 88% occurring outside China.

Related: Review: MG ZS

Zhang reaffirmed MG’s strong commitment to South Africa, emphasizing the proactive approach taken to ensure a seamless ownership experience. A National Parts Distribution Centre in Isando, Kempton Park, is already operational, courtesy of SAIC’s global network. To further instil confidence in prospective buyers, MG is offering an industry-leading 7-year/200 000 km warranty (5 years/150 000 km with an additional introductory 2 years/50 000 km). A comprehensive service plan is also included, which MG hopes will be available from an initial 30 dealership locations now, but intends on having 60 by the end of 2025.

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Image: Toyota

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The State of the Motor Industry, or SOMI as it is often referred heralds in the new year for local automaker and producer Toyota. Serving as an industry benchmark for data sharing from the year prior, it is also an opportunity for the Japanese automaker to share for the first time to members of the public, its official plans for the coming year. The Toyota badged models took centre stage, but Lexus had two models that took the spotlight during the event.

Related: Updated Toyota GR Yaris: SA Launch Date Confirmed!

The most significant for the boutique offering of the Japanese automaker will be that it will introduce the GX and update the LX 700h for the local market in the coming year. The Lexus GX, powered by a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine is good for 260 kW and 650 N.m of torque and employs a 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers the power and twist to all corners. The local market will have two grades to choose from: the SE and the Overtrail.

The flagship LX range will see enhancements, including the new LX 700h hybrid model (1MT-HEV), offering 341 kW and 650 N.m of torque. Internally, it features a 12.3-inch full LCD meter for hybrid and terrain mode graphics, upgraded seating with massage functionality, and faster wireless charging for front and rear passengers. These SUVs are positioned to compete in the premium large SUV segment and in Lexus fashion are expected to be outfitted with plush niceties expected by buyers. The GX model is expected to arrive in March 2025, while the LX 700h is set to debut locally in February 2025.

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Image: Toyota

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The State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) serves as Toyota South Africa Motor’s premier event for data sharing from the previous year and a peek into what it has planned in the near future. Bundled with the Corolla Cross launch in Johannesburg attended by Digital Editor Alex Shahini, the Japanese automaker gave us a preview of four models making their way to our shores. None of them are box-fresh but each update seeks to consolidate the respective moniker’s appeal in the ever-evolving new car market.

Image: Toyota

As mentioned, a key highlight was the refreshed Corolla Cross, showcasing an updated design and enhanced interior features. Toyota also introduced the Hilux Legend 55, commemorating 55 years of the Hilux legacy. Other significant reveals included the Fortuner GR-S, an upgraded GR Yaris with a more powerful engine.

The Corolla Cross has undergone a mid-cycle refresh, featuring a redesigned front with a new grille and LED headlights. The interior now includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an upgraded infotainment system in the XR grade, reinforcing its position as a leader in its segment. Now steeped in over half a century of heritage, the Legend 55 commemorates 55 years of the Hilux and is endowed with a GR-S reminiscent widebody kit, wide tread suspension, a styling kit, a roller shutter, a bash plate for off-roading, a tow bar, and a revised sports bar. This limited edition is slated for launch in July 2025 and as of yet, no powertrain figures have been shared.

Image: Toyota

The Fortuner GR-S not only represents the cover star for the February issue of CAR Magazine but also a performance-oriented iteration of the popular SUV, featuring a 2.8-litre diesel engine with 165 kW and 550 N.m of torque. It utilizes a six-speed automatic transmission and incorporates 48V mild-hybrid technology, enhancing efficiency with a power increase of 15 kW and 50 N.m. Distinctive design elements include a bespoke front bumper, black side mirrors, colour-coded door handles, and model-specific black 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265/60 R18 tyres. The Fortuner GR-Sport will be fully launched in March 2025, maintaining much of its ladder-frame architecture while introducing monotube dampers for improved ride and handling.

Image: Toyota

Related: Updated Toyota GR Yaris: SA Launch Date Confirmed!

SUVs and bakkies aside, Toyota kicked off the unveiling ceremony at SOMI with something for the petrolheads; the GR Yaris. The two-door hot hatch serves as a key part of Toyota’s hot hatch lineup, and has received substantial updates. Its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine features lightweight pistons, enhanced direct injection pressure, and optimized mapping, resulting in outputs of 210 kW and 400 N.m from the inline triple.

Image: Toyota

Related: POLL: Which Locally Available Hot Hatch Reigns Supreme?

The new single-clutch Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) replaces the manual gearbox, and the vehicle now includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and a limited-slip differential for superior handling. To clarify, no more manual iterations of this will be directly available as new vehicles once this updated model is expected to hit dealership floors in March 2025.

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Whether it be low-volume sports or luxury cars or less popular choices from mainstream manufacturers, the South African market registered one sale of 14 different models in December 2024. The data taken from naamsa shows a meagre list, but it is also worth noting that there are dozens of models available in South Africa that didn’t even manage to register one sale, these are not listed here.

Related: Battle Of The Sub-R700k Double Cabs Bakkies

One Hit Wonders for December 2024

1. Toyota GR Yaris
2. Mahindra XUV500
3. Peugeot 208
4. Kia Rio
5. BAIC X25
6. Audi e-tron GT
7. Alfa Romeo Tonale
8. Honda BR-V
9. Audi A7 Sportback
10. Peugeot 5008
11. Renault Kiger Express
12. Renault Trafic
13. Renault Triber Express
14. Kia Kia Sonet LCV

It is worth noting that certain vehicles listed above like the GR Yaris, e-tron GT and A7 Sportback serve as generally low-volume sellers due to their niche value proposition to buyers. On the other hand, the final four entries are converted SUVs that cater for duty in the light commercial vehicle segment as panel vans capable of carrying light cargo.

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The passenger vehicle segment saw marginal growth from the same time as the year before, but here is a more detailed look at who made the Top 10 for December 2024.

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That is that! December 2024 is now at a close and January is already well underway – naamsa has released the new vehicle sales statistics from the month and the good news is that the passenger vehicle market has grown by 1.1% year to date from the corresponding period in 2023. Not all positives, the light commercial vehicle, medium trucks and busses and heavy trucks and busses segments have all seen contractions since the same time in 2023 by 12.0%, 6.5% and 4.9% respectively which is prevalent in most of the data listed below.

Closing the year off, 351 302 passenger vehicles have been sold, an increase from the 347 379 in 2023 while the light commercial vehicle segment shrunk considerably from the 151 490 units sold in 2023 by only mustering up 133 254 units in 2024. This is perhaps further exacerbated by the complete absence of a single-cab unibody bakkie in the local market.

Related: Battle Of The Sub-R700k Double Cabs Bakkies

Top 10 Best-Selling Passenger Vehicles for December 2024

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 1 946 units
2. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 526 units
3. Suzuki Swift – 1 376 units
4. Toyota Fortuner – 1 343 units
5. Toyota Starlet – 1 259 units
6. Hyundai Grand i10 – 1 216 units
7. Haval Jolion – 1 074 units
8. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1 059 units
9. Volkswagen Polo – 1 052 unit
10. Kia Sonet – 821 units

No surprises at the top, the Polo Vivo took the crown for December 2024 but is more than 1 000 units down from the previous month which saw 2 999 registrations. Things have been shuffled around for the rest of the list with the Corolla Cross taking second spot, again selling less than 1 000 units from the month before with 2 655 registrations in November. The Swift is back towards the top however, but again is slightly down from the 1 776 units from the month prior. The Fortuner and Starlet on the other hands were the only two in the Top 5 that experienced an increase, with 872 and 1 238 respectively.

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Taking a look back at sales data from December 2024, it was Toyota who convincingly claimed top spot in the bakkie segment with just under 3 000 registrations of the venerated Hilux. Here is what else made the cut.

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With December 2024 now at a close, naamsa has released the new vehicle sales statistics from the month. Overall, the passenger vehicle market has grown by 1.1% year to date from the corresponding period in 2023 however the light commercial vehicle, medium trucks and busses and heavy trucks and busses segments have all seen contractions since the same time in 2023 by 12.0%, 6.5% and 4.9% respectively which is prevalent in most of the data listed below.

Closing the year off, 351 302 passenger vehicles have been sold, an increase from the 347 379 in 2023 while the light commercial vehicle segment shrunk considerably from the 151 490 units sold in 2023 by only mustering up 133 254 units in 2024. This is perhaps further exacerbated by the complete absence of a single-cab unibody bakkie in the local market.

Related: Battle Of The Sub-R700k Double Cabs Bakkies

Top 5 Best-selling Bakkies for December 2024

1. Toyota Hilux — 2 926 units
2. Ford Ranger — 1 924 units
3. Isuzu D-Max — 1 086 units
4. Mahindra Pik Up — 390 units
5. Toyota Land Cruiser — 352 units

Not much changed during December 2024 with local bakkie sales. Toyota have retained its top spot and increased sales from 2 702 units sold in November. It is the adverse for Ford in second position who registered less sales during the final month of the year, following 2 248 registrations in November. The D-Max, while occupying third spot took a large hit with 1 086 registrations during December 2024, significantly down from 1 764 the month before.

Further down the list, the Mahindra Pik Up also suffered a loss with 390 units registered during the month, down from 697 the month before. Ousted from the Top 5, the Nissan Navara reluctantly made way for the Toyota Landcruiser PU which managed 352 sales during the month, up from 290 in November.

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Tiggo 4 Pro. Image: Chery

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Chery has announced it has set a “historic” global sales record in 2024, with the Chinese car manufacturer selling more than 2.6 million (2 603 916, to be precise) new vehicles worldwide in the year 2024. This record-breaking figure reflected a 38.4% increase in global sales, resulting in the marque surpassing its annual global sales target. In addition, the company says this increase “outpaced” the industry’s growth rate by between 10 and 20 percentage points.

Related: Road Test: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite DCT

Other milestones achieved by the brand in 2024 relates to production and exports. In 2024, the carmaker produced its 15 millionth vehicle and exported 1 144 588 cars — an increase of 21.4% — to overseas markets. The automaker says the latter bolsters its position as China’s top passenger-vehicle exporter for the past 22 years.

Tiggo 8 Pro. Image: Chery

Locally, the company says 2024 was a standout year for the brand, with Chery South Africa registering a total sales figure of 19 971 units. Chery SA’s top-selling vehicle was the Tiggo 4 Pro, with the 12 646 Tiggo 4 Pro units sold accounting for 63% of the firm’s overall sales in 2024. The local arm of the Chinese automaker’s second and third best-selling models were the Tiggo 7 Pro (4 752 units sold) and Tiggo 8 Pro (2 140 units sold). Available from October 2024, 433 Tiggo Cross units found new homes in 2024.

Related: Living With It: Chery Tiggo Cross1.5T Elite [Holiday Update]

“Closing the year with strong December sales — and setting a new local record in November [with 2 006 new cars sold] — highlights South Africans’ trust and enthusiasm for our brand. This success underscores our commitment to delivering vehicles that meet the needs and preferences of this dynamic audience,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Chery SA.

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ZS. Image: MG Motor

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Those with a keen eye may have noticed MG’s branding outside several dealerships in South Africa, with some possibly taking a second glance to confirm they have, indeed, just seen the British marque’s iconic octagon emblem above a local showroom floor. Well, your eyes didn’t deceive you — following an eight-year absence from the South African market, MG, who is celebrating its centenary in 2024, is back in South Africa! And, with its comeback, the company is more confident than ever in its local operations, emphasising its long-term commitment to the South African automotive industry.

“MG is 100% committed to the South African market. Backed by SAIC Motor […] MG has a robust foundation for sustainable growth. The brand’s arrival in South Africa is a strategic long-term investment,” said Mr Sky Zhang, General Manager of MG Motor South Africa.

“SAIC’s infrastructure and resources are dedicated to ensuring local stability, from comprehensive service and support networks to a firm investment in local job creation and partnerships. Our goal is to make MG a reliable presence in South Africa and provide our customers with peace of mind, knowing that they can count on MG for years to come.”

HS. Image: MG Motor

Further emphasising the firm’s commitment to the South African market and, especially, its customers, Mr Zhang stated that the manufacturer’s goal is “to set a new standard” for after-sales support and reliability.

Related: MG Rumoured for South African Return

The company is launching its local operations with 30 dealers and a product portfolio comprising a trio of models: the ZS, a budget-oriented, compact crossover/SUV; the HS, a midsize SUV; and the Cyberster, a striking, all-electric roadster. However, the manufacturer has mentioned that it plans to introduce more models in the coming two years.

“We’ve placed a strong emphasis on tailoring our offerings to meet the specific tastes of local consumers, engineering these likes and dislikes into our design and engineering processes. This makes MG so much more than just an affordable car; it stands out as a brand designed for mainstream markets with a unique identity,” said Mr Zhang.

In 2023, the marque recorded a global sales figure of “approximately” 840 000 vehicles — 88% of which in markets outside of China. Now including South Africa, the local arm of MG says it is confident the firm will perform just as well in South Africa as it has in overseas markets.

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