By Malusi Msomi

Toyota South Africa Motors recorded its best monthly sales result of the year in July, delivering 14,142 new vehicles and increasing its market share to 24.5%.

The result comes as South Africa’s new vehicle market continued its upward trend, with industry sales increasing by 11.9% year-on-year during July.

Passenger vehicles accounted for 8,250 of Toyota’s total sales, while the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment contributed 5,500 units. Medium and heavy commercial vehicles added a further 392 units.

The Hilux once again finished the month as South Africa’s best-selling vehicle after recording 4,189 sales. Toyota says the result follows the official line-off of the updated Hilux at its Prospecton manufacturing plant.

Among the passenger vehicles, the locally built Corolla Cross recorded 1,626 sales, while the Starlet contributed 1,483 units. Other strong performers included the Starlet Cross (803), Urban Cruiser (968), Vitz (955), and Fortuner (722).

Within Toyota’s Land Cruiser range, the FJ Cruiser recorded 344 sales during July, while the Land Cruiser 300 accounted for 139 units.

Toyota’s premium brand, Lexus, registered 100 retail sales. The GX led the line-up with 31 units sold, followed closely by the LX with 30 units.

The Hiace also posted a stronger month, increasing from 591 units in June to 670 units in July. Other contributors in the commercial vehicle range included the Land Cruiser Pick-up (465), Quantum Bus (85), and Coaster (72).

Toyota also led the medium commercial vehicle segment with a reported 30% market share, supported by sales of the Hino 200 and Hino 300. The Hino 500 Series recorded 115 sales during the month, while the Hino 700 Series contributed 18 units.

Beyond vehicle sales, Toyota says its parts business distributed more than two million parts locally during July, while export parts volumes reached 410,418 units.