Image: Toyota

The June sales results show a positive trend, as aggregate domestic sales revealed a notable upswing, with an increase of 5 758 vehicles or 14% compared with the figures from June 2022, when 41 052 vehicles were sold. Going through the Naamsa numbers, one brand remains head and shoulders above all others. 

Top 10 best-selling brands:

• Toyota – 13 016
• Volkswagen – 5 578
• Suzuki Auto – 4 335
• Hyundai Auto – 2 645
• Ford – 2 514
• Nissan – 2 380
• Isuzu Motors – 2 365
• Renault – 1 836
• Haval Motors – 1 749
• Kia SA – 1 507

Toyota’s position at the top is clear, with a significant margin that separates it from its competitors. Not only did Toyota emerge victorious as the best-selling brand overall for June, but it also maintained its reign as the undisputed champion of passenger brands. 

Related: Toyota tops bakkie sales for June 2023

Top 10 passenger brands: 

• Toyota – 7 076
• Volkswagen – 5 059
• Suzuki Auto – 4 062
• Hyundai – 2 362 
• Renault – 1 808
• Chery Auto SA – 1 402
• Kia SA – 1 398
• BMW – 1 246
• Haval – 1 220
• Nissan – 855

Looking to buy a new or used Toyota? Find it here. 

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Image: Toyota

The month of June 2023 proved to be a major increase of vehicle exports and new vehicle sales when compared to the same time in 2022. Exports rose by 4,7% while new vehicle sales increased by 4,8%. Toyota claimed the top step of both the passenger brand segment and light commercial vehicle segments. Here is how they fared along with other bestsellers locally.

The upbeat new vehicle market performance was encouraging given the multiplicity of negative considerations which still outweighs positive ones during the month of June 2023. Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in June, at 46,810 units reflected an increase of 5,758 units, or 14,0%, from the 41,052 vehicles sold in June 2022. Export sales recorded a decline of 3,920 units, or 12,6%, to 27,296 units in June 2023 compared to the 31,216 vehicles exported in June 2022. – The Automotive Business Council

Looking to buy a new or used Toyota? Find it here. 

Top 5 light commercial vehicle brands for June 2023

1. Toyota – 5 655
2. Ford – 2 214
3. Isuzu – 1 953
4. Nissan – 1 525
5. Mahindra – 696

While the light commercial vehicle segment is primarily made up of bakkies, panel vans and minibus taxis also contribute to the monthly sales figures of each automaker. So let’s have a look at who holds the crown for best-selling bakkie in the month.

Top 5 selling bakkies for June 2023

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 792
2. Ford Ranger – 2 099
3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 953
4. Nissan NP200 – 1 108
5. Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up – 662

Toyota and Ford both manufacture and export their utilitarian models to foreign markets, here is how many of each bakkie found homes abroad.

Top 4 exported bakkies for June 2023

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 957
2. Ford Ranger – 2 373
3. Isuzu D-Max – 427
4. Nissan Navara – 364

Find your next bakkie with CARmag, browse now. 

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Image: Opel

Earlier this week in Rüsselsheim, the German automaker debuted new interpretation of its iconic emblem, the ‘Blitz’, which will feature on production vehicles as early as 2024.

Looking for your next Opel? Browse here with CARmag. 

It will continue to form a central element of the Opel Compass, one of the main features of the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker’s exciting and critically acclaimed design philosophy, while simultaneously continuing to sit proudly at the centre of the Opel Vizor brand face. Moving into an era of electromobility, the lightning bolt – or ‘Blitz’ in German – which is closely associated with electricity is the most symbolic way of demonstrating this transition. 

Related: Opel debuts 2024 Corsa facelift with ICE and EV powertrains

“Our ‘Blitz’ is more relevant than ever before. It not only symbolises our commitment to the democratization of innovation and mobility but also conveys our commitment to becoming a fully electric brand in Europe by 2028. This year, we will already have 15 electrified models in our portfolio and can proudly say that Opel is electric,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

The German carmaker will gradually roll out the new ‘Blitz’ across its product portfolio in the coming years with the first production vehicle set to sport the new look in 2024.

Image: Opel

Before then, Huettl announced that the new emblem will feature prominently this year already. “The IAA Mobility is one of the biggest motor shows in the world and therefore the perfect location to proudly introduce a large, international audience to our new ‘Blitz’. Furthermore, we also have a surprise planned. Visitors of our presence in Munich will be thrilled,” he said.

With thousands of new and used vehicles on offer, find your next set of wheels with CARmag. 

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Image: BMW

The next generation of the X3 will be produced with a plug-in hybrid derivative from 2024 on and the firm intends on ensuring Rosslyn, the first production plant established outside of Germany remains with the evolving times and becomes a contributor to growing demand for the NEV model. Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG who also chairs the Board of Management for BMW Group South Africa announced this momentous stride for the local automotive sector today, the 28th of June 2023.

Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag. 

“From 2024, we will produce the X3 in South Africa as a plug-in hybrid and export it to the world. To this end, the BMW Group is investing R4,2 billion in the site over five years.” – Dr Milan Nedeljković

Related: BMW 50 Years Icon celebrations kick off in Rosslyn

The plant is of significance to the South African automotive sphere, employing more than 20 000 people directly and indirectly. In its 50-year history, Plant Rosslyn has the locally produced stamp indelibly imprinted on over 1,6 million vehicles which have been exported and sold to over 40 countries worldwide, including 14 African markets.

Image: BMW

This includes the long history comprising the BMW 1800 SA, 2000 SA, 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series before it evolved as a key producer of the X3 which contributes as the backbone of sales for the Bavarian brand.

Related: Special Edition a possibility for Plant Rosslyn anniversary

In addition to the major investment, Nedeljković further added that the South African youth would benefit from the BMW Group with a donation of R30 million towards the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This project will target thousands of primary and secondary school learners locally and improve their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

Related: Take a peek inside BMW’s Plant Rosslyn production facility

“For 50 years, BMW Group South Africa has been practising sustainable development through social investment, particularly in education. We are honoured to have UNICEF’s support as we in spite and mould a new generation of leaders that will continue the BMW Group;s success story in Sotuh AFrica for the next 50 years” – Nedeljković.

Browse over 26 000 new or used cars here with CARmag. 

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Image: Mazda

We know for certain that Mazda Southern Africa will be bringing the CX-60 PHEV in Q2 of 2024, a few months after the CX-80 is set to arrive on local shores as a flagship. Slightly further down the line, the new Mazda CX-5 will commence production in 2025 and should be in South Africa in early 2026.

Find a new or used Mazda here with CARmag. 

Serving as the gateway into the brand, the Mazda2 and CX-3 will continue until at least 2026. Their slightly larger hatchback in the Mazda3 is a “7th generation product” so its lifecycle is beyond 2026. Their solitary bakkie, the BT-50 bears an uncertain future, with the head honcho yet to make a decision on whether to pull it from the local market or extend the range with a high-end model.

Related: Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-G: the underappreciated SUV

As we have already mentioned in the tentative announcement of the CX-80, the sizable 3,3-litre turbodiesel motor will be available in select models for our market but Roberts mentions we will need to wait for allocation.

Looking for a new set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag. 

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Image: Ford

Earlier this week, Ford granted access inside their impressive Silverton facility, which has the capacity to produce over 700 new Ranger bakkies a day.

Looking for a new or used Ford? Browse here with CARmag.

To kick off the cold winter day with warm beverages in hand, Ford representatives ran through a presentation detailing the plant and the most recent upgrades it has undergone. Just like the Bakers biscuits we snacked on during this formality, which are produced in various locations, Ford has a mandate to ensure that regardless of where a Ranger is assembled around the world, it bears the same quality of the highest possible level.

From Thailand to the States, we were assured that each Ford production facility bears the same characteristics as all of the others, Silverton too.

Related: Why the new Ford Ranger Raptor is no longer produced in SA

At current capacity, the plant gets out a whopping 704 Rangers a day. Maximum capacity is actually 720, but semiconductors still plague the Blue Oval.

Related: Ford set to challenge Toyota for Dakar T1+ crown from 2024

A jam-packed schedule taking the select media around the sizeable location in the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone. Grasping the area of the facility would be akin to relating it similar to a small town. Thousands arrive for three shifts throughout the 24 hour day, a laundromat cleans used overalls daily and a hospital and fire brigade are on site for any unforeseen events.

Image: Ford

Not to mention the dozens of pre-production Rangers roaming the roads with specific numberplates designating them to their specific roles – these models aren’t registered and thus not road legal for anywhere outside the facility.

Key events during the day included exploring the palatial-sized chassis plant, stamping plant, body shop and paint shop skid cleaning facility.

Image: Ford

Over and above witnessing the joy that is bare metal form into something three dimensional and recognisable, Ford showed us the less glamorous aspects of vehicle production such as the vehicle skid cleaning facility. These robust jigs hold the metal bodywork of what is to become a Ranger in place for all preparing, priming and painting before all other components like wheels and drivetrain components are mounted and it can move on its own.

As mundane as it may seem, cleaning primer, paint and other build up on these parts over a few cycles is crucial to ensuring the facility runs optimally.

As the day drew to a close, the deep blue sky above the Blue Oval logo began to fade, but the operations within the Silverton facility didn’t. Onto the next shift and into the night!

Find your next purchase with CARmag, browse over 26 000 listings here! 

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In the latest graphic provided by The Outlier, the cost of fuel for various vehicles shows the variance from 4 years ago to now with a Toyota Hilux requiring R469 more to fill up, representing a 35% increase.

With burgeoning prices of fuel and an ever-weakening rand, it seems as though cash-strapped consumers are always warned about pending increases each month. Data journalist The Outlier has included two graphics showing the stark increases in prices in only a 4 year period. Crediting the transport department on figures for 95 Octane and manufacturer magazines, 6 vehicle segments are represented including a Toyota Hilux which now costs R1 810 to fill its 80-litre hold as opposed to R1 341 from 2019.

 

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Have a look at the post above to see costs of a litre of fuel now versus four years ago.

Related: Top 5 most fuel-efficient bakkies available in South Africa

Also included is a Porsche Cayenne, which needs R1 924 to fill its sizable 85-litre tank in June this year while the same month four years ago only required an outlay of R1 425. The trend is obvious and applies to even the most frugal cars like the Suzuki Swift which now requires R837 to fill its 37-litre tank, this is an increase of R217 in the period which represents an increase of 35%.

 

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At its cheapest in this period, the Swift could have an empty tank brimmed for R452 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic – May 2020. Thereafter the price of fuel went on an almost non-stop increase until mid-2022 when consumers were met with some reprieve.

Related: JHB to CPT in a Single Cab Isuzu with One Tank of Fuel

The international price of fuels has increased but not to the extent experienced in South Africa. Brent crude, which is primarily refined into diesel and gasoline fuel is the largest factor in the retail price South Africans pay for at the pumps. The cost of this commodity in June of 2019 was $59,90 while it is now $73,87. This represents a 23% increase, a significantly lower value than the increase for the end product at the pumps in South Africa.

Some of this can be partially attributed to the weakening rand to the dollar, which is what Brent crude is traded in while some other contributing factors include added taxes and levies. Here is how much fuel costs in SA before taxes are added.

Looking for an economical car to buy? Browse here with CARmag. 

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Image: Audi

Audi’s virile local lineup of RS models are now within reach of a track experience for enthusiasts. The German automaker will be returning its Audi driving experience for paying customers at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Gauteng, Plaaspad Racetrack in the Western Cape, and Dezzi South Coast Raceway in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

“We are thrilled to announce the re-launch of the Audi driving experience in South Africa,” says Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa.

This includes Audi’s performance-category winner at the 2023 South African Car of the Year competition; the RS 3.

Image: Audi

Sauer continues: “We’re proud to offer a professional driving experience programme focusing on speed, safety and precision driving on some of the most thrilling and challenging courses this country has to offer. We are aiming our offering to the most discerning motorists, ambitious drivers and performance enthusiasts in South Africa and will further expand the portfolio in due time.”

Related: 294 kW Audi RS3 likely to receive power upgrade for facelift

Over and above the RS 3, drivers will get behind the wheel of a range of Audi RS models such as the Audi RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Sportback, RS 6 Avant, and RS Q8. Stepping into electrification, the RS e-tron GT will also offer a glimpse of silent performance the brand has to offer while the V10 powered R8 will also be on offer.

The driving programme will be spearheaded by Mark Allison — a key member and lead instructor of the Audi driving experience team at Audi’s driving performance centre in Neuburg, Germany — offering an exciting adventure for automotive enthusiasts. 

With its reintroduction, the Audi driving experience will be focused solely on delivering an unforgettable high-performance driving experience. However, going into 2024 and beyond, Audi has ambitious plans to expand their offering through additional driving adventures.

“The Audi brand is about progress and with the Audi driving experience there is no better way to feel progress first hand through a driving opportunity like this. We cannot wait for our customers and prospects to get behind the wheel and join us during one of the event days on either of the three tracks,” adds Sauer.

The launch price for the track experience is set at R9,500 (inclusive of VAT). Customers can conveniently book their spots or find out more through the dedicated Audi driving experience website. 

The post Audi driving experience returns to South Africa until end of 2023 appeared first on CAR Magazine.

Image: Tesla

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, had boldly predicted that the Model Y would claim this coveted title in 2023. Many sceptics dismissed this forecast as overly ambitious, but the recent data from JATO Dynamics, a renowned London-based market research firm, has proven them wrong. With comprehensive insights gathered from 53 markets and official figures from 31 other key markets, alongside estimations for the rest of the world, JATO has confirmed the Model Y’s groundbreaking achievement.

Image: Tesla

During the first quarter, Tesla delivered a staggering 267 200 units of the Model Y, representing a remarkable 69% increase compared to the same period last year. This outstanding performance propelled the electric SUV ahead of long-standing champions such as the Toyota Hilux, RAV4, and Corolla, which have historically dominated the global sales charts.

Notably, the Corolla managed to secure just over 256 400 sales, while the Hilux followed closely behind with a volume of 214 700, and the RAV4 claimed fourth place with 211 000 units sold. It is worth highlighting that Model Y achieved exceptional success in three key markets: China, the United States, and Europe.

Image: Tesla

The momentum behind the Model Y’s triumph can be attributed to various factors. Tesla’s strategic price cuts played a significant role in stimulating demand, while the company’s expanding global footprint allowed them to reach a wider audience. These combined efforts culminated in an impressive sales surge, solidifying the Model Y’s position as an unparalleled force in the automotive industry.

Related: YouTuber destroys Tesla Model 3 with 115-inch wheels

The accomplishments of the Model Y did not materialize overnight. In 2022 alone, Tesla sold an impressive 747 500 units of the electric SUV across 152 markets, marking a remarkable 91% increase compared to the previous year. This outstanding performance secured the Model Y the prestigious third position on the list of top-selling vehicles in 2022, trailing behind only the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla.

Image: Tesla

As the world increasingly embraces the transition towards electric vehicles, the Model Y stands at the forefront of this revolution. While Elon Musk’s prediction about the Model Y’s dominance in the first quarter has been unequivocally validated, the true test lies ahead. The remainder of 2023 will undoubtedly shape the narrative, as the Model Y vies for the esteemed title of the best-selling car of the entire year.

While South Africa doesn’t have any Teslas on the market, there are still plenty of EVs and hybrids for sale. Find your next one with CARmag here.

The post Tesla Model Y electrifies global market, claims Q1’s best-selling crown appeared first on CAR Magazine.

Image: SAGMJ

In December of 2022, a shortlist of 35 vehicles contending the local market was selected to battle for overall honours. At the beginning of the year, 21 of those managed to make it through to the final stages of the competition.

Image: SAGMJ

Our very own Editor Damian Adams and Editorial Director Ian McLaren played a key role in determining the winners along with 25 other jurors. Here was the shortlist that went into a rigorous regiment of testing:

• • Alfa Romeo Tonale
  • Audi RS3 Sedan / Hatch
  • Audi e-tron GT/RS e-tron GT
  • BAIC Beijing X55
  • Chery Tiggo Pro 8
  • Ford Everest
  • Ford Ranger
  • Haval H6 Hybrid
  • Hyundai Tucson
  • Isuzu D-Max
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • Kia Sorento
  • Kia Sportage
  • Mercedes Benz S-Class
  • Nissan Qashqai
  • Opel Mokka
  • Renault Clio 5
  • Toyota RAV4 E-four
  • Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge
  • VW Taigo

During the evaluation days, different tests were conducted to review aspects such as the vehicle’s design and engineering, technology, powertrain, practicality, safety, ride and handling, value for money and overall excellence and ingenuity. Value for money, an important criterion, will be further scrutinised in a follow-up study conducted by Lightstone Automotive.

Related: 21 finalists of the 2023 SAGMJ Car of the Year comeptition

Following the test days, the individual juror scores were tallied and combined to form the raw scoring, after which the automated scoring process started. Thereafter, the scores results were formally audited.

Image: SAGMJ

“Our jury worked tirelessly to find the winners of this year’s competition,” Mabuza concluded. “The test days allowed the jurors to immerse themselves in everything the finalists had to offer, contributing to the tough decision of who will be crowned the COTY 2023 winner. This year’s COTY winners will be announced on the 1st of June.”

As a recap, here are the 2022 winners.

The Ford Ranger Double Cab 4×4 managed to take overall honours, as South Africa’s 2023 Car of the Year Overall winner. Here are the other victors in various categories:

• Compact Family Category: BAIC Beijing X55

• Midsize Category: Kia Sportage

• Premium Category: Kia Sorento

• Adventure SUV Category: Ford Everest

• Double Cab 4×4 Category: Ford Ranger

• Luxury Category: Mercedes Benz S-Class

• Performance Category: Audi RS 3

• New-energy Category: Volvo XC 40 P8 Recharge

• 2023 SA Car of the Year: Ford Ranger Double Cab 4×4

For the first time in the 37-year history of the COTY competition, a leisure double cab 4×4 bakkie was crowned South Africa’s Car of the Year for 2023: The Ford Ranger.

Mabuyane Mabuza, Chairperson of the 2023 COTY Competition, said that this remarkable achievement is a testament to the automotive industry’s commitment to producing high-quality double cabs that offer unrivalled performance while seamlessly blending comfort, safety, and cutting-edge technology.

“Over the past decade, the popularity of SUVs and Double Cabs has skyrocketed at the expense of sedans. Double cab bakkies have become a common choice for everyday commuting, family adventures and various work applications, providing a popular solution for South Africans’ mobility demands,” says Mabuza.

Looking for a new or used car? Find it here with CARmag.

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