Toyota On Top For 32nd Year

According to Engineeringnews.co.za, despite the growing threat posed by German rival Volkswagen, Toyota has again clinched the number one spot in South Africa’s new vehicle market in 2011, with total sales of 109 413 vehicles and market share of 19.19 per cent (including Lexus and Hino sales).

In 1990, Toyota had a 29 per cent share of the local new vehicle market and, by 2000, 23%.

Last year, the Japanese auto maker’s market share fell to 20.5 per cent.

“We are especially proud of what we have achieved in 2011,” says Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) president and CEO Dr Johan van Zyl.

“To maintain the market leadership position for the 32nd consecutive year against many more competitors and an ever-growing number of vehicle choices is significant, but it is even more impressive in light of the challenges that we have faced,” van Zyl said, summarising the year by saying that 2011 will be remembered as the year in which TSAM celebrated its 50th birthday in South Africa, but also “as one of our most trying and challenging years as a company”.

Apart from achieving the number one position in the local market, Toyota also produced the country’s best-selling model, with 37,874 Hilux pickups sold.