As December 2024 concludes, Naamsa has unveiled the latest vehicle sales statistics, providing a snapshot of South Africa’s top 5 best-selling bakkies for December 2024. While passenger vehicles showed modest growth, the commercial vehicle segment faced notable challenges.

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Passenger vehicle sales grew by 1.1% year-to-date compared to 2023, with 351,302 units sold in 2024, up from 347,379 the previous year. In contrast, the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment saw a sharp decline of 12%, dropping from 151,490 units in 2023 to 133,254 in 2024. This decline is compounded by the absence of single-cab unibody bakkies in the local market.

Top 5 Best-Selling Bakkies for December 2024

Toyota Hilux — 2,926 units
The Toyota Hilux continued its reign at the top of the bakkie market, increasing sales from 2,702 units in November to 2,926 in December. The Hilux remains a favorite among South Africans due to its reliability and versatility.

Ford Ranger — 1,924 units
The Ford Ranger secured second place despite a decrease in sales compared to November’s 2,248 units. Its innovative features and rugged design make it a strong contender in the segment.

Isuzu D-Max — 1,086 units
The Isuzu D-Max held onto third place, but sales dropped significantly from 1,764 units in November to 1,086 in December. The D-Max continues to appeal to buyers with its dependable performance and durability.

Mahindra Pik Up — 390 units
The Mahindra Pik Up experienced a sharp decline in sales, falling from 697 units in November to 390 in December. Despite the drop, it remains a cost-effective option in the competitive bakkie market.

Toyota Land Cruiser — 352 units
The Toyota Land Cruiser pickup made its way into the Top 5 with 352 units sold, up from 290 in November. Its robust design and off-road capabilities have earned it a strong following.

Key Features of the Top 5 Bakkies

Model	Engine Options	Towing Capacity	Notable Features	Price Range (ZAR)
Toyota Hilux	2.4L & 2.8L diesel, 2.7L petrol	Up to 3,500 kg	Advanced safety features, off-road capability	350,000 – 900,000
Ford Ranger	2.0L single/twin-turbo diesel, 3.0L V6	Up to 3,500 kg	Terrain Management System, SYNC infotainment	400,000 – 1,100,000
Isuzu D-Max	1.9L & 3.0L diesel	Up to 3,500 kg	High ground clearance, durability	360,000 – 850,000
Mahindra Pik Up	2.2L mHawk diesel	Up to 2,500 kg	Affordability, basic but tough design	300,000 – 500,000
Toyota Land Cruiser	4.0L V6 petrol, 4.5L V8 diesel	Up to 3,500 kg	Extreme off-road capability, rugged build	800,000 – 1,500,000

2024 December Bakkie Sales Insights

The 2024 December bakkie sales data highlights several trends in South Africa’s bakkie market:

Toyota’s Dominance: The Toyota Hilux continues to lead the pack, demonstrating its enduring popularity among South African buyers. The Land Cruiser also showed strong performance, securing a spot in the Top 5.
Ford and Isuzu’s Challenges: Both the Ranger and D-Max saw declining sales in December, although they remain solid competitors in the market.
Mahindra’s Decline: The Mahindra Pik Up experienced a notable drop in sales, reflecting the overall struggles of the LCV segment.
Shifting Preferences: The Land Cruiser’s rise and the Navara’s exit from the Top 5 suggest a shift in consumer preferences toward rugged, off-road-ready models.

Conclusion

Despite a challenging year for the light commercial vehicle segment, South Africa’s bakkie market continues to showcase a strong preference for reliable, versatile models. Toyota’s dominance remains unshaken, while Ford and Isuzu maintain their positions as formidable competitors. As we enter 2025, manufacturers will need to innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics to regain momentum in the LCV segment. This article provides a comprehensive overview of December 2024’s best-selling bakkies, offering insights into their key features and market performance. Whether for work, adventure, or daily use, these bakkies remain integral to South African life.