TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa's (TGRSA) National Rally Championship (NRC) team is set to continue their campaign as they prepare for the highly anticipated Algoa Rally, the next event on the 2023 SA NRC calendar. Building on their performance in the previous round, the team is eager to make their mark in the championship as the series progresses to Rounds 3 and 4 in the Eastern Cape.S

  • Hilux #1 with close to 4,000 sales
  • Corolla Cross #1 in passenger sales (2,115)
  • Fortuner streaks ahead with over 1,600 units

Toyota had an impressive month, clocking up a stellar 13,016 sales – its best performance of the year. With a 27,8% market share in June, our highest YTD, Toyota expects that 2023 will be yet another very solid year for SA’s most popular car brand.

In terms of sheer volumes, Hilux is once again the leader of the pack with 3,792 registrations. This places the one-tonner in overall pole position as SA’s bestselling vehicle. Looking at the variant breakdown, Double Cabs accounted for the lion share with 1,886 units shifted, followed by 1,391 Single Cabs and 515 Xtra cabs.

Still in the LCV space, Land Cruiser 79 continues to impress with 342 units retailed for the month, with the 4.5 V8 diesel firmly in the sales spotlight. Another permanent fixture in this category is the Hiace which managed an admirable 1,364 sales for the month.  

On the passenger car front, Toyota featured three models in the top five. Corolla Cross which racked up 2,115 sales in June, is number one on the passenger car podium.

Third runner-up Fortuner – still basking in its freshly-launched glory – achieved a remarkable retail figure of 1,639 units, placing this medium-sized SUV way out in front in this hotly-contested segment. Fifth position went to Starlet (1,415), reaffirming its popularity as an affordable, quality city car. Additional noteworthy passenger car performances came from the Land Cruiser 300 range which notched up a commendable 203 sales, while the NX with 43-unit sales was the strongest model for the prestigious Lexus brand.

Parts supply remained at very similar levels to last month with close to 1,5 million pieces distributed locally and a further 320,000 pieces shipped to foreign markets.

Toyota South Africa Motors Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Leon Theron, is humbled by the brand’s impressive showing in June.

“Despite a very challenging trading environment impacted by high interest rates, currency depreciation and strained personal finances, our customers have once again proved their mettle by supporting Toyota, a brand they know and trust – and one that delivers the right product at the right price and at the right time. Additionally, the role played by our 220-strong dealer network cannot be underestimated – service is paramount, especially when times are tough, and our dealers have not disappointed. Thank you to everyone that has played such a crucial part in our ongoing success.”

The TGRSA NRC team will again feature the same crews that competed in the opening round. Jono van Wyk, known as the "Swazi Cowboy", along with his navigator Nico Swartz, impressed during their maiden race in the new Toyota Starlet. Despite the challenges posed by the left-hand-drive configuration of the car, and the rally's narrower sections, they demonstrated remarkable driving prowess, securing valuable points for the team and displaying their competitive spirit.

Additionally, Mandla Mdakane, partnered with navigator Kes Naidoo, showcased his speed and potential during the previous round, despite encountering mechanical challenges that hindered his performance. The technical crew worked diligently to address the issues faced by Mdakane's Toyota Starlet rally car, and the team is confident that he will bounce back stronger in the upcoming event, proving himself as a formidable contender in the championship.

The Algoa Rally, scheduled to take place in Jeffreys Bay this weekend, promises thrilling racing action as competitors tackle challenging stages and vie for supremacy. The TGRSA NRC team, under the expert guidance of Team Manager Guy Botterill and his dedicated crew of technicians, is well-prepared for the demanding course that lies ahead. With their locally developed and built Toyota Starlet rally cars conforming to the rules of the NRC 1 class, the team is poised to showcase the quality, reliability, and innovation that Toyota is renowned for.

Looking ahead to the Algoa Rally, Botterill expressed his confidence in the team's capabilities, stating: "Our crews have shown exceptional talent and determination in the previous round. We have addressed the issues experienced by Mandla's car, and we believe he will rise to the occasion. Jono and Nico have proven themselves as formidable competitors, and we expect them to deliver another outstanding performance."

The TGRSA NRC team is determined to leave an indelible mark at the Algoa Rally, as they continue their quest for championship points this weekend. This year’s Algoa Rally will start and finish in the coastal town of Jeffreys Bay, with the action starting on Friday, 7 July. Stages are also scheduled for the fearsome Longmore Forest, which has proven an extremely tough test in past events.