Johannesburg – Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has once again demonstrated why it remains the nation’s top automotive brand. In October 2025, the company recorded 13 559 new vehicle sales, capturing a commanding 24.2% market share as South Africa’s total new vehicle sales reached 55 956 units. This strong performance underscores the resilience of the local automotive sector amid shifting market dynamics.
According to naamsa, The Automotive Business Council, the passenger car segment surged to 39 610 units in October, marking the best performance since October 2014 and a 14.8% year-on-year increase. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) experienced a 23.9% year-on-year rise, while Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCVs) showed mixed results, with medium commercial vehicles up 9.3% and heavy trucks slightly down by 1.0%.
Despite a minor slowdown compared to September, overall industry sales increased 16% compared to October 2024, driven by rising consumer confidence, a stronger rand, and renewed demand in export markets.
Toyota’s Strong Performance Across Segments
Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM, commented on the results: “We are proud of Toyota’s performance across all segments, from entry-level to luxury. These results reaffirm the trust that South Africans continue to place in Toyota, Lexus and Hino products. Our broad range of mobility solutions, strong dealer network and unwavering commitment to quality continue to resonate with customers. We are grateful to all our employees and value-chain partners for their dedication – this momentum sets a strong foundation as we head into the final stretch of the year.”
Passenger Cars: Corolla Cross and Starlet Shine
Toyota maintained leadership in the passenger car segment, selling 8 432 vehicles. Notable performers include:
- Corolla Cross: 1 615 units
- Starlet: 1 613 units
- Urban Cruiser: 1 360 units
- Starlet Cross: 1 011 units
- Vitz: 1 200 units
In the luxury segment, Lexus continued to hold its ground with 79 vehicles sold. Top-selling models included the NX (31 units), LX (11 units) and UX (5 units), showing a notable rebound from September 2025.
LCVs and Hino Deliver Consistency
The iconic Hilux once again led the LCV market, selling 3 533 units and capturing 27.9% market share. Other strong performers were the Hiace Taxi (617 units), Land Cruiser 79 Pick-up (414 units) and Land Cruiser Prado (139 units), demonstrating steady customer demand.
Hino also contributed to the sales momentum, with 253 MHCV units sold in October, highlighting TSAM’s strength across commercial vehicle segments.
Fleet and Export Success
Over 2 150 fleet customers chose Toyota brands in October, with popular models including the Hilux, Vitz and Starlet. The recently launched Fleet page on www.toyota.co.za/fleet provides businesses with easy access to Toyota’s full range of fleet solutions and services.
Toyota’s parts division moved over 2 million units to the domestic market and exported 393 259 units abroad. Vehicle exports also reached 4 436 units, reinforcing TSAM’s role as a key player in regional and international mobility.
A Resilient Brand in a Competitive Market
Toyota’s October performance mirrors broader industry trends reported by naamsa, showcasing the brand’s resilience and adaptability. By delivering strong results across passenger, LCV and MHCV segments, and supporting fleet and export operations, Toyota continues to cement its position as South Africa’s most trusted automotive brand.
