New cars are expected to be introduced to South Africa in 2023 and 2024 as the car recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
South Africa’s National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (Naamsa) said South Africans bought 45,352 new cars in February 2023, representing a year-on-year increase of 2. 5% through February 2022.
Although local vehicle sales showed numbers, Naamsa said exports fell 11. 5%, a fear as the auto industry contributes 4. 3% to the country’s GDP.
The agreement added that cargo loss has a negative effect on vehicle production, while the current inflationary environment has a direct effect on vehicle sales by influencing the purchasing decisions of South African motorists.
However, Naamsa still expects vehicle sales to increase in 2023.
“Although new vehicle market momentum has been slow, domestic sales are expected to grow by 6. 3% and export sales by 8. 3% in 2023,” he said.
Some cars that will be added to the South African market include:
Toyota’s new GR Corolla will be unveiled in South Africa in the next 4 months.
“The price, detailed specifications and styling of the GR Corolla will be shown closer to launch,” Toyota said.
He added that the performance sedan will be sold in quantities exclusively at GR-focused dealerships.
The Chery Omoda will launch in South Africa in mid-April, with 30 distributors across the country being able to offer sales and services.
Omoda is Chery’s secondary brand and its launch in South Africa will be the first in Africa.
The exact value of the new sub-brand remains to be confirmed.
Lexus’ RZ 450e will launch in South Africa in 2024.
The RZ 450e will be the brand’s first battery vehicle (BEV) built from the ground up.
The manufacturer said the precise launch date and the BEV will be announced closer to launch.
BMW’s first Touring M3 will arrive in South Africa in small numbers in 2024.
Local costs and the number of cars for South African roads have not yet been revealed.
Top Auto said the excursion will most likely be presented to a limited number of consumers in small lots.
BusinessTech’s sister publication said limited-edition BMWs have been introduced in South Africa in recent years, the M3 CS, M4 CSL and M5 CS, providing between 10 and 20 units.
Hyundai South Africa said the updated Grand i10 will launch in South Africa in 2023, but did not give a precise date.
While little is known about the upgraded tailgate, Hyundai said the South African style would come from India.
TopAuto said South Africa’s new i10 will not be based on the one unveiled in Europe in 2024, and will most likely be based on the Grand i10 Nio recently unveiled in India.
Nissan will inaugurate the fourth generation of its X-Trail in April 2023.
While the X-Trail will be available with a natural internal combustion engine, a mild hybrid powertrain or two range extender hybrid configurations in global markets, the South African edition will only be presented as a petrol style at launch.
However, the automaker said hybrid technologies could be introduced in the country.
“More data on the specifications, which come with powertrains, will be announced at the time of planned launches in Africa,” Nissan said.
Read: What R8 million looks like in South Africa
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