December 2024 marks the conclusion of a challenging yet resilient year for South Africa’s automotive market. According to naamsa, the passenger vehicle segment showed growth, posting a 1.1% increase year-to-date compared to the same period in 2023. While this is encouraging, other segments, such as light commercial vehicles, medium trucks and buses, and heavy trucks and buses, experienced notable contractions of 12.0%, 6.5%, and 4.9%, respectively.
Year-End Overview: Passenger Vehicles Lead the Way
By the end of 2024, 351,302 passenger vehicles were sold, surpassing the 347,379 units recorded in 2023. In contrast, the light commercial vehicle segment saw a sharp decline, dropping to 133,254 units from 151,490 units in 2023. This decrease is partly attributed to the absence of single-cab unibody bakkies in the local market, which has impacted sales.
December 2024 Passenger Vehicle Sales: Top 10 Best-Sellers
Here’s a look at the best-selling passenger vehicles in December 2024, alongside some of their key features:
| Rank | Vehicle | Units Sold | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkswagen Polo Vivo | 1,946 | Compact design, fuel efficiency, affordability, and high resale value. |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla Cross | 1,526 | Hybrid option, spacious interior, advanced safety features, and Toyota reliability. |
| 3 | Suzuki Swift | 1,376 | Budget-friendly, sporty design, excellent fuel economy, and compact dimensions for city driving. |
| 4 | Toyota Fortuner | 1,343 | Rugged SUV with off-road capabilities, 7-seater capacity, and a reputation for durability. |
| 5 | Toyota Starlet | 1,259 | Affordable hatchback, spacious cabin, good fuel economy, and reliable performance. |
| 6 | Hyundai Grand i10 | 1,216 | Stylish design, compact size, advanced infotainment features, and strong warranty. |
| 7 | Haval Jolion | 1,074 | Modern SUV design, premium interior, extensive tech features, and competitive pricing. |
| 8 | Chery Tiggo 4 Pro | 1,059 | Feature-packed compact SUV, bold styling, and strong value for money. |
| 9 | Volkswagen Polo | 1,052 | Premium hatchback, excellent build quality, advanced technology, and reliable performance. |
| 10 | Kia Sonet | 821 | Compact SUV with stylish design, smart features, and competitive pricing. |
Best-Selling Passenger Vehicles Sales Trends and Insights
- Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained its crown as South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicle for December. With 1,946 units sold, it led the pack, although this figure reflects a significant drop from the 2,999 units sold in November 2024.
- The Toyota Corolla Cross, a hybrid SUV, secured second place with 1,526 units, also seeing a decline from its November total of 2,655 units.
- The Suzuki Swift returned to the upper ranks, claiming third position with 1,376 units sold, slightly lower than November’s 1,776 units.
- The Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Starlet were the only models in the Top 5 to post increased sales compared to the previous month, with the Fortuner growing to 1,343 units and the Starlet reaching 1,259 units.
- SUVs like the Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, and Kia Sonet continue to gain popularity, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences toward compact SUVs with affordable pricing and feature-rich options.
The Broader Market Picture
The rise in passenger vehicle sales is a bright spot in South Africa’s overall automotive market. Despite the challenges faced by light commercial vehicles and other segments, the passenger car segment’s growth signals robust consumer demand for budget-friendly hatchbacks and versatile SUVs.
Closing Thoughts
December 2024 highlighted a mix of resilience and challenges for South Africa’s automotive market. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo remains a strong favorite, while Toyota continues to dominate with multiple entries in the Top 10. Meanwhile, newer brands like Haval and Chery are making strides, showing growing acceptance among South African buyers.
With 2025 already underway, it will be interesting to see how the automotive landscape evolves, particularly as economic conditions and consumer preferences continue to shift. Stay tuned for January’s numbers to see how the new year begins for South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles.
Related article: Toyota Corolla Cross Bakkie: A Compact Contender Below the Hilux
