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Knysna – Toyota’s Hilux and Fortuner are two of the best-selling vehicles in South Africa; the Hilux is dominating the bakkie market (nearly 4000 units in September 2017) while its SUV sibling sells in excess of 1000 units.
The automaker has launched new derivatives (and revisions to the range) of its Hilux and Fortuner, the result of customer feedback. The Hilux sees the removal of the 4.0-litre V6 4x2 automatic model although the V6 4x4 derivative remains. Toyota has expanded the Hilux range with six new automatic models, bringing the total number of auto variants to nine.
Depending on the Hilux body type, other advancements include an upgrade from fabric to leather on interior parts, and for Raider models: LED headlights, foglights, a 220V power socket, and new 18” alloy wheels.
The Raider in SRX and single cab specification also benefit from vehicle stability control (VSC) and trailer sway control (TSC).
Prices for the Hilux range start from R243 200 to R638 300.
GALLERY: Updated Toyota Hilux range
Toyota has added a 4x4 model to the Fortuner range, adding the drive system to the 2.4-litre diesel model mated with the six-speed automatic gearbox. The automaker says that its clients asked for the 4x4 derivative with this engine, without the heavy retail price of the 2.8 4x4.
Other trimmings include side and curtain airbags for the 2.4 diesel and 2.7 petrol models, an electrically operated tailgate on the 2.8 diesel and 4.0-litre V6 petrol, as well as LED headlights, foglights and a 220V power socket on the latter models.
The revised Fortuner line-up retails from R444 500 - R675 600, with the additional model costing R506 000.
GALLERY: 2017 Toyota Fortuner range updates
One in ten
Poor economy, inflation, political instability… over the course of 2017, the new vehicle market saw many factors negatively affecting sales. Despite the fluctuating market, sales of both the Hilux and the Fortuner remained consistently high.
It’s not hard to understand why Toyota is so successful with these two vehicles. For 50 years the Hilux has been the stalwart Toyota product, driving sales for decades. It constantly outsells the likes of its Corolla sibling - another Toyota favourite amongst car buyers - and even the Volkswagen Polo Vivo; currently South Africa’s best-selling passenger car.
The Hilux’s success over the years is down to it being a reputable, reliable and durable product, as well as offering consumers value for money.
It’s these ingredients that filtered through to the Hilux-based Fortuner that has swayed thousands of consumers. An SUV based on the reputable Hilux is a good option in a market flooded with choice.
Dominating their markets
The market for new bakkies is one of SA’s healthiest segments. Not only is the Hilux leading the field, but it’s also the country’s best-selling vehicle overall. That is by no means an easy feat to achieve as it’s constantly fending off challengers such as its arch-rival, the Ford Ranger.
In 2016, the Hilux took a demanding 32% market share in the one-ton pick-up segment, 2% more than the Ranger.
For 2017 year-to-date (YTD), market share is currently on 30%; 3% more than the Ranger. In September 2017, according to Naamsa, the Hilux registered a sales figure of a whopping 3995 units and for the year sales are on 27 314 units.
The Fortuner has enjoyed similar success. In 2016, when the second-generation arrived in South Africa, it took a massive 51% market share for the year. From January to September 2017, the Fortuner’s market share is currently standing on 49%, with the Ford Everest coming closest on 19%.
The Fortuner’s success has been monumental for Toyota, by establishing itself not just as a best-seller but as South Africa’s favourite SUV.
According to Naamsa, Toyota sold 10 171 Fortuners during 2017; averaging more than 1000 units per month. Ford has sold 3934 Everests to date, according to Naamsa. It is easy for Toyota to believe that these two vehicles will continue to dominate their respective markets.
SA vehicle sales: Bakkies and luxury SUV (September 2017)
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Best selling bakkies:
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