Although the Toyota Hilux enjoys a considerable lead over the Ford Ranger in the overall sales race, the gap is somewhat narrower when we look at the double cab sales figures. This trend continued in May 2021, according to data released by Lightstone Auto, which listed the top four sellers in each of the bakkie segments.
According to the vehicle information specialist, Toyota sold 1 698 double cab Hilux bakkies last month, while Ford managed to move a not inconsiderable 1 579 Ranger DC models. Isuzu followed in a distant third with its figure of 807 double cab D-Max bakkies, while Mahindra was fourth with 56 Pik-Up double cab sales.
In the year-to-date double cab sales race, the Toyota Hilux leads with a total of 7 737 units sold between January and May, but the Ford Ranger is not far behind with 7 518 sales recorded. Isuzu has managed 3 420 DC sales so far, while Mahindra is on 439 so far. With an all-new Ranger due in 2022, could things eventually swing in Ford’s favour?
Single cab sales – Isuzu beats Ford
In relative terms Isuzu and Mahindra are a bit stronger on the single cab front, with the former having sold 655 D-Max SC models in May, and Mahindra moving 261 Pik-Ups, whereas Ford managed just 163 single cab sales for its Ranger. Toyota, of course, still ruled the roost here, with 1 349 single cab Hilux bakkies finding homes last month. In the year-to-date race, the latter leads with 5 946 sales versus Isuzu’s 2 948, Mahindra’s 1 399 and Ford’s 1 030.
Ford is a little stronger on the ‘cab-and-a-half’ front, selling 230 Super Cab Rangers in May, to outsell the Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab (78), although Toyota still won this race overall with 653 X-Tra cab sales recorded.
If we combine all the body styles, the Toyota Hilux enjoyed a total of 3 700 sales in May, followed by the Ford Ranger (1 972) and Isuzu D-Max (1 540).
Bakkies leading market growth
If we look at the overall vehicle market for May 2021, as reported earlier this month, the industry is in growth mode following last year’s pandemic-related losses. According to Naamsa, 38 337 vehicles were sold last month, which is a 7,6 percent improvement over the previous month and a 197 percent year-on-year gain (as unfair a comparison as it may seem). However, light commercial vehicles are leading the sales recovery, with May having seen a year-on-year gain of 288 percent, versus 169 percent for passenger cars.
