- 14 142 new vehicle sales in July
- Market share rises to 24.5%
- Hilux retains position as South Africa’s best-selling vehicle
- Toyota leads in passenger, LCV and MCV segments
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recorded its strongest monthly sales performance of 2026 in July, delivering 14 142 new vehicle sales and reinforcing its leadership position in the domestic automotive market. The result translated into a market share of 24,5% underpinned by strong performances across passenger, light commercial and commercial vehicle segments.
Toyota’s July performance was driven by broad-based success across its vehicle portfolio. The passenger vehicle segment contributed 8 250 units, while the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment accounted for 5 500 units. The Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle (MHCV) segments collectively recorded 392 units.
Commenting on the performance, Leon Theron, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, said, “Toyota’s July performance reflects the strength of our product portfolio, the resilience of customer demand and the dedication of our dealer network across the country. Achieving our best monthly sales result of the year in a competitive and evolving market demonstrates the continued confidence that South Africans place in the Toyota brand. Together with our dealer network partners and employees, we remain focused on delivering vehicles and mobility solutions that meet the diverse needs of our customers. Thank you to all who make our brand what it is.”
Toyota’s July performance mirrored a resilient month for the broader automotive industry. naamsa’s latest aggregate domestic new vehicle sales data indicate industry-wide resilience with total sales of 57 708 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 11.9%. According to naamsa, July “reflected the best monthly passenger figures since September 2014” with 40 912 units and a 12.5% increase whilst the 13 710 LCV units displayed a year-on-year increase of 10.6%. Naamsa additionally cited a year-on-year increase of 19.4% within the MCV segment (843 units) – the segment’s strongest month since March 2023. With 243 units, the HCV segment also increased by 7%.
Brand performance highlights
Toyota’s passenger vehicle portfolio delivered significant growth during July, with several key nameplates recording strong month-on-month gains. The Starlet (1 483 units) and Starlet Cross (803 units) demonstrated notable recovery versus their respective June performances of 968 and 398 units. Reinforcing its position among the country’s top-selling passenger vehicles, the locally manufactured Corolla Cross shifted 1 626 units.
Other notable mentions contributing to Toyota’s leadership in this segment includes the Urban Cruiser (968 units), Vitz (955 units) and Fortuner (722 units). Within the Land Cruiser stable, FJ Cruiser once again displayed great strength and popularity with 344 units whilst the LC 300 also increased sales to 139 units.
Within the premium segment, Lexus continued its steady performance with 100 retail sales during the month. The GX (31 units) continues to be a popular Luxury SUV contender, followed closely by buoyant sales of the LX (30 units vs 18 units in June).
Toyota’s growth within the LCV segment follows the official Hilux line-off ceremony at Prospecton Plant and displays positive reaction to the new Hilux. With 4 189 units sold, Hilux retained its position as South Africa’s best-selling vehicle and a leader in the LCV segment, continuing its legacy of durability, reliability and versatility. The Hiace outperformed its previous month’s sales (591 units), shifting 670 units – a reflection of sustained customer demand for dependable people-mover and business mobility solutions. Supporting the segment’s performance were the Land Cruiser Pick-up (465 units), Quantum Bus (85 units) and Coaster (72 units).
Toyota’s commercial vehicle business showcased strong momentum leading the MCV charts with a 30% market share driven by strong performances from the Hino 200 (35 units) and 300 (127 units) models. A closer look at HCV and XHCV performance reveals that the Hino 500 Series increased sales to 115 units (35% increase vs June ’26) while the Hino 700 Series maintained a stable performance with 18 units sold during July.
Toyota Fleet delivered another strong performance, recording a 15% year-on-year growth compared to July 2025. The new Hilux Double Cab and Extra Cab continued to drive business demand, reaffirming Hilux’s leadership as the vehicle of choice for South African businesses.
Beyond vehicle sales, Toyota’s parts business continued to play a critical role in supporting customers and export markets. During July, domestic parts distribution exceeded two million pieces, while export volumes reached 410 418 units, underscoring the strength of Toyota’s supply chain and after-sales operations.
The July performance reinforces Toyota’s commitment to providing accessible mobility solutions across multiple customer segments while supporting local manufacturing, dealer network growth and economic development. As the year progresses, the company remains focused on delivering value, quality and reliability to customers throughout South Africa.
