Stylish today, gone tomorrow

The Crossover/SUV is South Africa’s favourite Passenger vehicle bodyshape, while one-time leader, the Hatch, is now in second spot.

In fact, the Crossover/SUV was third choice in 2013, behind the Sedan in second place and the Hatch, then riding high as leader of the pack with just under 50% share of the Passenger vehicle market.

But fashion is never more than temporary, and the same is true of vehicle bodyshapes.

The Hatch is down from 48% to 37% in 2022, but its decline is modest compared to the Sedan, which has seen its market share plummet from 26% in 2014 to just 8% in 2022.

The big winner has been the Crossover/SUV, which has soared from 23% to 50% market share in 10 years.

The changing consumer preferences have been recognised by the OEMs – in 2013 there were around 530 available Crossover/SUV options, and 440 Sedan options. By 2022, the unique Crossover/SUV count had jumped to 880 (growth of 66%), whilst Sedan alternatives had declined to 160 (-64%).

The rise of the Crossover/SUV bodyshape in the Passenger market has been accompanied by the Double-Cab’s emergence as the favourite in the Light Commercial Market, replacing the One-ton Single and Extended Cabs. Both the Crossover/SUV and the Double Cab were beneficiaries of growing consumer preferences for greater ride height to get a better driving perspective and additional safety.

Bodyshape share of Passenger Market (2013 - 2022)

In as far as the Light Commercial Market goes, the biggest decline in market share over the last 10 years belongs to the Sub One-Ton Pick-up bodyshape.

The decline can largely be attributed to the demise of Chevrolet, one of two hugely dominant OEMs which in 2013 accounted for a combined 97% of sales.

Chevrolet’s departure left Nissan and their NP200 now responsible for almost 95% of sales in this bodyshape.

Bodyshape share of Light Commercial Market (2013 - 2022)

Looking ahead, we expect Crossover/SUV sales to continue growing in 2023 and the Sedan will likely continue to contract as there are less and less available options of this bodyshape.

The market share in Double Cab Pick-Ups is expected to rebound this year after a slight dip in 2022.