Toyota’s “tougher-er” Hilux is riding high on the news that the latest version has once again topped the sales charts in May.
A market-leading tally of 3 185 Hilux units helped Toyota retain its number one status with an overall sales volume just shy of 10 000 units (9 642) for the fifth consecutive month this year. This puts Toyota 44,5 per cent or 2 964 units ahead of its nearest competitor in the retail race. It also means that Toyota currently enjoys a market share of 22,5 per cent – a record high for this year.
Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Toyota South Africa Motors, provides some interesting insights on this month’s results: “Taking a closer look at the Hilux numbers reveals that 90 per cent of the sales, which equates to 3200 units, is via the dealer channel; once again reinforcing just how popular this vehicle is with private buyers.
“I’m also happy to report that South Africa’s love affair with the Fortuner is stronger than ever. In its first full month on the market, this all-new model notched up an incredible 1 333 sales. It’s a fairly even spread across all the variants but noteworthy is the uptick in demand for the 2.4 GD-6 4×2 models; indicative of the growing popularity of Fortuner amongst trendy city dwellers.”
Hamman also predicts that hybrid sales will gain traction, albeit off a low base, due to the recent sharp rise in fuel prices. Toyota and Lexus have more hybrid models than any of the other brands and interest in this segment of the market will no doubt increase with the imminent launch of the all-new Prius.
Other stand-out performers from the Toyota stable include the ubiquitous Quantum (1 325) and the iconic Land Cruiser 79 pick-up, which racked up a class-leading 316 sales. Also registering on the retail radar for the first time is the phenomenal Lexus LX SUV – clocking up a class best of 37 sales for this ‘superluxe’ SUV.
On the Hino front, May was a strong showing for the 300 series which achieved sales of 178 units; helping Hino retain its year-to-date MCV market leadership.