With the local automotive market’s consistent growth, month after month last year, one brand is not giving up a piece of its sales cake slice.
You have guessed it, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM).
With the flood gates open and Chinese brands pouring into the country with good product ranges, class leading warranties and service plans, and above all, very competitive prices. This and other factors affecting potential customers purchasing power resulted in difficult years for the local motor industry with legacy and premium brands struggling to keep their market share.
Against this backdrop, Toyota South Africa recorded total sales of 148 124 units last year, representing its best annual performance since 2007. Industry-wide, total new vehicle sales reached approximately 596 818 units in 2025 which is the highest level since 2015, when sales exceeded the 600 000-unit mark.
Toyota closed the year with an overall market share of 24.8%, translating to average monthly sales of more than 12 340 units across all segments. This performance was underpinned by a strong local manufacturing base, led by South Africa’s best-selling vehicle, the Toyota Hilux, which achieved total sales of 36 525 units for the year.
Other locally produced models also delivered standout results. The Corolla Cross recorded sales of 22 191 units, while the Fortuner contributed 9 049 units, with all three vehicles produced at Toyota’s Prospecton Plant in KwaZulu-Natal. The locally assembled Hiace Taxi further strengthened Toyota’s position in the people-mover segment, achieving annual sales of 6 815 units.
Across the passenger and light commercial vehicle segments, Toyota maintained a commanding lead, selling 92 997 passenger vehicles and 51 005 light commercial vehicles during the year. The company also delivered solid performances in the commercial vehicle categories, with sales of 2 689 medium commercial vehicles and 1 433 heavy commercial vehicles.
Within the vehicle retail sector, there are meaningful career opportunities for young people who are interested in sales, customer engagement, administration and dealership operations.
Housed in the upmarket, safe and centrally located Ballito Business Park in Moffat Drive, the location is in the heart of the Ballito retail trading business precinct amongst many already established OEM brands.
SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has released a series of Transformer-inspired videos via its social media channels, highlighting how the company leverages its extensive expertise in the military and security fields to deliver civilian protection.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has released a series of Transformer-inspired videos via its social media channels, highlighting how the company leverages its extensive expertise in the military and security fields to deliver civilian protection.
The new car buying trend has continued unabated into the new year, with January figures reflecting a 7.5% increase in total vehicle sales and passenger car volumes rising by 7.1%.
The positive momentum of new vehicle sales in 2025 seems set to continue in 2026, with January building on the previous year’s success, says the Automotive Business Council (naamsa).
