2023 was a record year for South African vehicle exports - these were the top exports
Despite well-known logistical challenges at local ports, South African vehicle exports reached a record in 2023. According to Naamsa, manufacturers exported 396,290 vehicles, marking a 12% increase over 2022 and a 2.4% rise from the previous record set in 2019. The majority were passenger car exports, growing by 7% to 255,430 units, while light commercial and bakkie exports rose by an encouraging 24.7% to 140,061 units.
Top South African vehicle exports in 2023:
1. Volkswagen Polo - 101,468
2. Mercedes C-Class - 86,754
3. Toyota Hilux - 71,013
4. Ford Ranger - 64,872
5. BMW X3 - 57,423
6. Isuzu D-Max - 6,385
7. Nissan Navara - 3,823
8. Toyota Corolla Cross - 1,745
9. Toyota Fortuner - 1,613
10. Nissan NP200 - 332
11. Toyota Corolla Quest - 86
Highlighting the significance of exports to the local manufacturing industry, the top five exports exceeded the total local volume of the best-selling vehicle, the Toyota Hilux, for the entire 2023. Naamsa expects the positive momentum in exports to continue in the coming year, though the global economic outlook is clouded by various factors.
The rapid shift to electric cars in international markets poses a potential risk for South Africa's vehicle exporters, especially with Europe planning widespread bans on internal combustion vehicles in the 2030s. The Electric Vehicle White Paper released in late 2023 focuses on securing manufacturing and export contracts for local OEMs, considering the importance of the motor manufacturing industry to South Africa's GDP, currently accounting for around six percent.
