Toyota South Africa Motors began 2026 with 11,786 new vehicles sold in January, retaining its position as South Africa’s best selling automotive brand. This performance translated into an overall market share of 23.5%, reinforcing Toyota’s leadership in the local market. Fleet sales accounted for 42.5% of dealer transactions, Showing continued demand from corporate, rental, and institutional buyers.
Passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles
The Automaker maintained its lead in the passenger-vehicle segment, achieving a 21.1% market share after selling 7,841 vehicles during the month. The Toyota Vitz emerged as the brand’s strongest performer, ranking fourth among South Africa’s top ten best-selling passenger cars. The Starlet, Starlet Cross, and Rumion also made meaningful contributions, supporting consistent volumes across the range.
In the light commercial vehicle segment, Toyota South Africa Motors secured a commanding 33.2% market share. Sales of 2,475 Toyota Hilux bakkies ensured that the outgoing eighth-generation model remained South Africa’s best-selling bakkie and the top-selling vehicle overall. Further support came from the Toyota Hiace and Toyota Land Cruiser 79, which recorded 557 and 484 units sold, respectively.
Medium commercial vehicles and Lexus performance
In the medium commercial vehicle segment, Toyota South Africa Motors sold 228 vehicles across the Toyota and Hino brands, maintaining a steady presence in this category.
Toyota’s premium division, Lexus, delivered a stable performance in January. Sales were led by its large luxury sport utility vehicles, with 31 Lexus LX units sold and 40 Lexus GX units delivered. The remainder of the Lexus range contributed an additional 27 vehicles.
Commenting on the results, Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, said the January performance represented a solid opening to the year, pointing to improving consumer confidence and the strength and breadth of Toyota’s local product portfolio as key factors supporting momentum in the months ahead.
