- Hilux remains South Africa’s best-selling vehicle with 3 881 units sold in August
- Broad passenger portfolio continues to underpin Toyota’s market position
- Land Cruiser family and small-car range make significant contributions
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recorded 13 814 vehicle sales in August, reinforcing its strong position in the South African new-vehicle market. The company delivered another solid performance across its passenger, SUV and commercial vehicle portfolios, securing a 23.9% share of the aggregate local market, which recorded total sales of 57 898 units.
The result was supported by a diverse mix of volume-selling passenger vehicles, SUVs, light commercial vehicles and lifestyle models. Hilux retained its position as the country’s best-selling vehicle, while strong performances from Corolla Cross, Starlet, Starlet Cross, Vitz and Urban Cruiser highlighted the breadth of Toyota’s passenger offering.
“The strength of our business is underpinned by the diversity of our product offering and our ability to serve customers across different segments, from small cars and crossovers to SUVs, bakkies and commercial vehicles. This remains particularly important in a market where customers continue to balance affordability, practicality and value,” says Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM.
SMALL CARS MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION
Toyota’s small-car and compact crossover portfolio continued to make an important contribution to its overall performance in August.
The Starlet recorded 1 359 units, while Starlet Cross contributed 1 015 units. Vitz and Urban Cruiser each recorded 871 units, while Corolla Cross added 1 489 units.
The combined performance of these models reflects the scale of Toyota’s presence across the compact passenger and crossover segments, which remain important parts of the South African market.
The range spans different customer requirements, from compact urban vehicles and first-car options to larger crossovers offering additional space and versatility. This broad representation enables Toyota to participate across several of the market’s key volume segments.
LAND CRUISER FAMILY CONTINUES TO DELIVER
The Land Cruiser family also made a substantial contribution in August, with the performance of its various derivatives highlighting the breadth of the sub-brand.
The Land Cruiser 79 Pick-Up recorded 434 units, while the Land Cruiser FJ contributed 255 units. The Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 300 each recorded 241 units, with the Land Cruiser 76 Station Wagon adding 33 units.
The sales performance across the range demonstrates the breadth of the Land Cruiser portfolio, which spans commercial and workhorse applications through to lifestyle and premium SUV segments.
The combination of the Land Cruiser 79 and 76, alongside the FJ, Prado and Land Cruiser 300, gives Toyota representation across distinct areas of the SUV, off-road and lifestyle market.
HILUX RETAINS MARKET LEADERSHIP
Hilux retained its position as South Africa’s best-selling vehicle in August, with 3 881 units sold during the month. Its performance continues to reflect the model’s strong presence across private, recreational and commercial applications, supported by a broad range of derivatives.
Toyota also maintained its leading position in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, recording 5 106 sales and a 37.1% market share. Hilux was the principal contributor, supported by the Land Cruiser 79 and Hiace.
In the Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV) segment, Toyota recorded a 35.2% market share, with the Hino range making a significant contribution. The Hino 300 recorded 142 units, followed by Coaster with 73 units and Quantum with 69 units.
Lexus also contributed to TSAM’s August performance, with 105 vehicles sold during the month. The brand’s SUV portfolio accounted for the majority of sales, led by NX with 37 units, followed by GX with 29 and LX with 27 units.
FLEET AND AFTERSALES SUPPORT OVERALL PERFORMANCE
Toyota Fleet delivered positive growth in August compared with the corresponding month in 2025, with demand supported by a range of industries, including agriculture, construction and mining. The Hilux Extra Cab and Double Cab made strong contributions to the result.
The aftersales business also continued to support Toyota’s broader operations. In August, Toyota distributed 1 877 903 parts locally, while export volumes reached 361 754 parts, reflecting the scale of the company’s parts distribution operation in South Africa and across the continent.
A BROAD PORTFOLIO SUPPORTS MARKET RESILIENCE
Toyota’s August performance was characterised by contributions from multiple segments rather than dependence on a single model or category.
From its small-car and crossover portfolio to its SUV, Land Cruiser and commercial vehicle ranges, the brand continues to maintain a substantial presence across the South African market.
“Our results reflect the combined contribution of our products, dealers, employees and manufacturing operations,” says Theron. “The continued support of our customers and dealer network remains fundamental to our performance, and we will continue to focus on delivering the products, service and customer experience that meet their changing needs.”
As the South African new-vehicle market enters the final months of 2026, TSAM remains focused on supporting demand across its portfolio while strengthening the Toyota, Lexus and Hino brands in their respective markets.
