The South African automotive market in 2024 was a dynamic landscape, shaped by economic challenges, shifting consumer preferences, and the rise of new competitors. While traditional brands like Toyota and Volkswagen continued to dominate, the growing popularity of Chinese brands like Chery and GWM added a new dimension to the market. This article provides an overview of the most searched, viewed, and sold car brands and models in 2024, offering insights into what South African consumers are prioritizing when it comes to car ownership.
Most Searched Car Brands and Models
In 2024, South African car shoppers conducted over 663 million searches on platforms like AutoTrader, reflecting a 42% increase from the previous year. These searches revealed a strong preference for practicality, affordability, and reliability.
Top 5 Most Searched Brands:
- Volkswagen – 81 million searches
- Toyota – 61.5 million searches
- BMW – 37.8 million searches
- Ford – 19.4 million searches
- Mercedes-Benz – 16.4 million searches
Top 5 Most Searched Models:
- Toyota Hilux – 12.3 million searches
- Volkswagen Polo – 11.3 million searches
- Ford Ranger – 9.3 million searches
- Volkswagen Golf – 7 million searches
- BMW 3 Series – 6.8 million searches
The Toyota Hilux retained its position as the most searched model, a testament to its enduring popularity as a versatile and reliable vehicle. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Polo saw a significant surge in interest, driven by its affordability and practicality.
Most Viewed Car Brands and Models
In 2024, South African consumers viewed over 391 million car adverts, marking a 28% increase from the previous year. This growth in advert views highlights the importance of online platforms in the car-buying process.
Top 5 Most Viewed Brands:
- BMW – 57.9 million views
- Volkswagen – 52.7 million views
- Mercedes-Benz – 45.1 million views
- Toyota – 40.2 million views
- Audi – 25.1 million views
Top 5 Most Viewed Models:
- Volkswagen Polo – 15.4 million views
- Ford Ranger – 13.1 million views
- Volkswagen Golf – 12.8 million views
- BMW 3 Series – 12.2 million views
- Toyota Hilux – 12 million views
Despite the rise of Chinese brands, traditional models like the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Ranger continued to dominate consumer interest, reflecting their strong brand loyalty and reputation for reliability.
Most Sold Car Brands and Models
In 2024, the used car market saw 358,431 passenger cars sold, with an average price of R406,023. While overall sales declined by 2%, certain brands and models outperformed the market.
Top 5 Most Sold Brands:
- Toyota – 60,450 units sold
- Volkswagen – 50,616 units sold
- Ford – 38,141 units sold
- BMW – 22,613 units sold
- Mercedes-Benz – 21,015 units sold
Top 5 Most Sold Models:
- Ford Ranger – 20,914 units sold
- Toyota Hilux – 17,294 units sold
- Volkswagen Polo – 15,710 units sold
- Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 12,835 units sold
- Toyota Fortuner – 8,438 units sold
The Ford Ranger emerged as the most sold used car model, highlighting South Africans’ preference for versatile and durable vehicles. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Polo and Polo Vivo continued to dominate the compact car segment, offering affordability and practicality.
The Rise of Chinese Brands
Chinese car brands made significant strides in 2024, with Chery, GWM, and OMODA gaining traction in the market. These brands saw a 92% increase in used car sales, driven by their ability to offer modern features at competitive prices. The OMODA C5 and HavalJolion were particularly popular, appealing to younger, tech-savvy buyers.
The Role of Car Insurance in Car Ownership
As South Africans continue to invest in both new and used vehicles, the importance of car insurance cannot be overstated. Providers like Miway Insurance offer tailored policies that cater to the unique needs of car owners, ensuring that their vehicles are protected against unforeseen events. Whether you’re driving a Toyota Hilux or a Volkswagen Polo, having the right insurance coverage is essential for peace of mind.
Provincial Performance
The automotive market varied significantly across South Africa’s provinces, with Gauteng leading the way. Here’s a breakdown of provincial sales:
| Province | Units Sold | Market Share |
| Gauteng | 201,443 | 56% |
| Western Cape | 67,801 | 19% |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 43,613 | 12% |
| North West | 12,602 | 4% |
| Mpumalanga | 11,630 | 3% |
| Eastern Cape | 10,206 | 3% |
| Free State | 5,168 | 1% |
| Limpopo | 4,034 | 1% |
| Northern Cape | 1,934 | 1% |
Conclusion
The South African automotive market in 2024 was defined by a mix of tradition and innovation. While established brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford continued to dominate, the rise of Chinese brands added a new layer of competition. Consumers prioritized affordability, practicality, and reliability, with models like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Volkswagen Polo leading the way.
As the market continues to evolve, the role of car insurance providers like Miway Insurance will remain crucial in supporting car owners and ensuring that their vehicles are protected. Whether you’re buying a new car or a used one, understanding the top-selling brands and models can help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget.
