Namibians prefer bakkies in January

Namibians have shown a distinct preference for bakkies in January, with the Toyota Hilux maintaining a commanding lead at 227 units sold.

According to an analysis of new vehicle sales for January 2025 by Simonis Storm Securities, this reaffirms the vehicle’s position as the go-to choice for both commercial and private users, particularly in sectors requiring durable and high-performance vehicles.

Toyota’s overwhelming dominance in this segment underscores its established trust in Namibia, driven by strong resale value, an extensive dealer network, and a reputation for durability in harsh conditions.

“The sustained demand for bakkies highlights Namibia’s economic reliance on agriculture, mining, and logistics – sectors where reliability and performance are critical,” Simonis Storm Securities’ analysis says.

The analysts say January 2025 began with a steady performance of 966 units sold, reflecting a 1.7% year-on-year (y/y) increase from the 950 units recorded in January last year.

However, sales declined by 12.2% month on month (m/m) from December 2024, a seasonal trend typically observed at the start of the year.

Of the 966 new units sold in January 2025, rental agencies acquired 23 vehicles, consisting of 17 Toyota Fortuners, four Toyota Hilux units, and two Toyota Quantum models.

The rental segment accounted for 2.38% of total vehicle sales, marking an increase from zero units recorded in December 2024.

“While the rental market remains a small portion of total sales, this resurgence signals a recovery in the tourism sector, particularly in the demand for self-drive options,” says Simonis.

Dealerships remained the dominant purchasers, accounting for 943 units of total sales, the analysts say, adding that commercial vehicles remained the primary driver of annual vehicle sales growth, accounting for 51.4% of total units sold in January 2025.

“Sales in this segment increased by 3.97% y/y, reflecting sustained demand from businesses and industries reliant on fleet expansion and logistics.

“Within this category, light commercial vehicles dominated, with 463 new units sold,” says Simonis.

Additionally, 20 medium commercial vehicles, eight extra-heavy commercial vehicles, and six heavy commercial vehicles were sold, while no new bus sales were recorded during the period.

In contrast, passenger vehicles accounted for 48.6% of total sales, with 469 units sold, marking a marginal 0.21% y/y decline in January 2025.

On a m/m basis, sales declined by 8.4% from November, yet recorded a notable 20.2% y/y increase compared to December 2023.

Year to date, passenger vehicle sales totalled 5 854 units, reflecting a 6.5% contraction from the 6 264 units sold during the same period in 2023.

Toyota maintained its dominant position in the Namibian vehicle market during January, with 555 new vehicles sold, reinforcing its stronghold in both the passenger and commercial segments.

This accounted for a significant share of total vehicle sales, including 306 light commercial vehicles (Hilux), 242 passenger vehicles (notably the Corolla Cross and Fortuner), and several medium commercial vehicles.

The Toyota Hilux remained the market leader, with 227 units sold, highlighting its reputation as the preferred choice for both private and commercial buyers.

Volkswagen (VW) secured second place, recording 76 units, largely supported by the strong performance of the Amarok, while Ford followed closely, ranking third in market share, with the Ranger contributing 54 units to its total sales.

Meanwhile, Kia and Suzuki continued to gain traction, with their affordable yet well-equipped models appealing to cost-conscious consumers.

The Toyota Land Cruiser PU, a perennial favourite among farmers, businesses, and off-road enthusiasts, followed with 62 units, reflecting its reliability in Namibia’s rugged landscapes.

The Ford Ranger, with 54 units sold, continues to be a strong alternative, offering modern features and robust performance.

Meanwhile, the VW Amarok, at 17 units, maintains a niche market appeal, likely due to its premium positioning, catering to customers who value comfort alongside utility.

The Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up (12 units) and JAC T-Series (11 units) serve the budget-conscious segment, offering affordability without compromising on durability – particularly important for buyers seeking cost-effective workhorse vehicles.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na

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