BusinessTech
Bakkies have long been a popular choice of vehicle in South Africa. These rugged and versatile vehicles are widely used for personal and commercial purposes and can be found on the roads in all corners of the country.
One reason for the popularity of bakkies in South Africa is their versatility. They are often used as workhorses, transporting goods and materials for businesses and farmers.
Their spacious and sturdy pickup beds are ideal for carrying large or heavy loads, and their 4×4 capabilities make them well-suited for tackling rough terrain. In addition to their practicality for work, bakkies are also popular for recreational use, such as off-roading and camping.
Another factor contributing to South Africa’s fondness for bakkies is their durability and reliability.
These vehicles are built to withstand rough conditions and handle South Africa’s pothole-riddled roads and challenging terrain throughout the country. For example, several infrastructure experts and road analysts said that in Johannesburg alone, the number of potholes needing to be filled has grown from 4,000 a month to 6,000 in 2022.
While high-end models are available, there are also more budget-friendly workhorse options that can be purchased new or secondhand – including smaller models such as the Nissan NP200.
They are also known for their long lifespan, with many bakkies on the road in South Africa having logged hundreds of thousands of kilometres.
Due to these abovementioned reasons, it is unsurprising to learn that four bakkies made it onto the list of the top 10 best-selling cars in South Africa in 2022 – with the Toyota Hilux topping the list as the best-selling vehicle.
According to data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) – from January to November 2022 – the car industry has sold almost half a mission new vehicles, selling a total of 487,699 units in 2022 with one month left in the year.
Toyota accounted for 24.7% of the total number of new vehicles sold in South Africa, selling 120,805 vehicles. Of these 120,805 cars, Toyota’s flagship Hilux bakkie sold a whopping 29,647 units, and in the last two months alone – October and November – Toyota sold an impressive 6,384 Hilux bakkies.
Volkswagen Group came in second with 64,470 vehicles sold locally, and Suzuki Auto ranks third with 44,120 units sold – representing 13.2% and 9% of the total number of new cars sold in South Africa this year, respectively.
The other bakkies following the Hilux on the list of top-selling cars in 2022 are the Isuzu D-max, the Ford Ranger, and the Nissan NP200 – selling 15,879, 15,837, and 12,141 units, respectively.
Another notable mention is the highly anticipated launch of the next-gen VW Amarok, with the first models expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2023. Following this, the second quarter of 2023 will see JAC Motors’ new top-of-the-range T9 Hunter double-cab bakkie launch.
The new T9 Hunter range will launch with four models, including 4×4 and 4×2 derivatives. The vehicle manufacturer also said it plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric derivative at the end of 2023 and early 2024, respectively.
Whether they are being used for work, recreational purposes, or as a personal vehicle, bakkies have proven to be a reliable and valuable asset for many South Africans.
With pricing, all the bakkies you can buy right now in South Africa are alphabetically listed below.
Ford Ranger 
GWM P-Series 
GWM Steed 5 
Isuzu D-Max
JAC T6
JAC T8
JEEP Gladiator 
Mahindra Pik Up
Mazda BT-50
Mitsubishi Triton
Nissan Navara
Nissan NP200
Peugeot Landtrek 
Toyota Hilux 
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
VW Amarok
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