The South African export market for built-up vehicles got a big boost as Toyota's Hilux export programme came on stream in mid-year. Toyota's total exports jumped by 54 per cent from 7 829 units for the first nine months of 2004 to 12 042 units for the same period in 2005. Toyota had a 48 per cent share of the light commercial vehicle export market compared to 19,5 per cent after nine months last year. One of the Hilux 3,0 D-4D double cab models was, in fact, the highest single vehicle model exported from South Africa in the month of September, with 3 432 units shipped from Durban.

This much improved performance by Toyota contributed to total exports by the South African vehicle manufacturing industry climbing to 96 113 units between January and September this year - a 13 per cent increase over the position a year ago.

This is a marked improvement over the industry's export performance in the first half of 2005, when the number of vehicles exported was 5,6 per cent down on the 2004 half-year figure. The bulk of the exports (85 per cent) are passenger cars.

Volkswagen was the pace-setter in the first nine months of the year, shipping 29 088 units - mainly Golfs and Polos - for a 30,1 per cent share of the volume (up from 24 per cent for the same period in 2004). They were followed by Mercedes-Benz - 21 443 units and a 26 per cent share - and BMW with 19 228 units exported for a 20,1 per cent share, as production of the new 3-Series increases in volume after running out the previous model earlier in the year. At the same time last year BMW had a 31,5 per cent share. Toyota is now moving into the high volume sector with 12 042 units shipped, versus 7 829 in the first nine months of 2004.

Ford showed massive growth off a low base to move into fifth place with 8 146 units exported compared to only 121 in the first three quarters of last year. Nissan, who have yet to secure a major export contract, are next best on 4 071 units, which was down on the 4 829 units shipped across the border in the same period a year ago.

Interestingly, Japan was the biggest export market outside Africa for the South African manufacturers, with 32 464 units going to the Land of the Rising Sun. Next biggest market was Australia (28 301 units) and third the United Kingdom (13 438).

Nissan continues to lead the pack in sales into Africa, even though the 4 036 units exported in the first nine months of 2005 were 670 units less than the 2004 figure. This equated to Nissan having a 41 per cent share of African exports from a dominant 54 per cent in September 2005. Toyota, which had been the export market leader in Africa in the 1990's, seems to be on the comeback trail, with 3 549 units sold into Africa in the first nine months of this year, compared to 2 068 a year ago. This equates to a jump in share from 24 per cent to 36 per cent and closes the gap on Nissan significantly.

Total industry sales into Africa totaled 9 879 units, which was a 14 per cent improvement on the 2004 figure. Despite its economic woes, Zimbabwe continues to be the recipient of most vehicles exported from South Africa, taking 1 538 units in the first nine months of 2005. Next biggest market was Zambia (1 371), followed by Mozambique (929).

The Department of Trade and Industry has released detailed export statistics for 2004. They show component export sales of R21,8-billion in 2004, which was a 1 per cent increase over 2003. Total automotive exports - components and built-up vehicles - for 2004 were, however, 3,8 per cent less at R39,2-billion, compared with R40,7 billion worth of automotive exports leaving our borders in 2003. The good news is that exports have grown at a compounded rate of 28,2 per cent since 1995.

The South African automotive industry exported components and built-up vehicles in significant quantities to 126 destinations in 2004, while importing components and vehicles from 68 countries.