Mercedes-Benz South Africa holds bragging rights for being the most successful premium car maker of 2010 in the country, while Toyota enjoyed the same position as leader in the mass market arena. Mercedes-Benz sold just over 22 500 cars in 2010, a growth rate of 16% over 2009. Toyota’s sales for the month of December 2010 amounted to 9 711 units, which happens to be the leading share in the market.
“We are pleased to see notable growth in all model categories, resulting in an overall market share of 5.4% compared to 3.6% in 2009,” says Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.
For Merc, the leaders include the C-Class, E-Class and the S-Class in their respective segments.
The C-Class grew by over 10%, with sales of 13 690 units over 2009 sales of 12 437 units. The E-Class, with total sales of 3 030 units, had its best year since 1997, when it sold 3 110 units,” adds Mayer.
For Toyota the killer punches were delivered mainly by the usual suspects, meaning Hilux, Fortuner and Corolla. The Hilux moved 2 895 units in December, while the Fortuner did 1 186 to remain the country’s most popular SUV. The Corolla had strong sales of 2 129.
“We are heartened by the strong sales performance in 2010, especially the second half of the year,” says Dr. Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors and a Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation. “We expect 2011 to again be a positive year with a growth in new vehicle sales of between 5% and 8%.”
Merc will launch the facelifted CL-Class later this month, including models like the CL 63 AMG and the CL 65 AMG. The CL 63 AMG comes fitted with the new 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 worth 400kW, and the CL 65 AMG retains the 6.0-litre V12, but ups power to 463kW. In three years’ time we’ll see the CL name being scrapped in favour of the S-Class Coupe moniker.
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