After more than a decade of trailing the German subsidiaries of Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Toyota South Africa is again the leading exporter of built-up vehicles.

Toyota had been the leading exporter in the early 90s when exports were restricted to the African continent. But the Japanese manufacturer has been losing ground since Volkswagen secured its first contract to export Jettas to China, and again when the three secured substantial deals to export to Europe, Japan, the US, Australia and other markets.

However, since Toyota Japan took a controlling interest in the local operation, meaningful contracts have become more available, particularly with South Africa designated as a global supplier for the new Hilux and Fortuner.

Toyota SA now sends a wide range of single- and double-cab Hiluxes to many European destinations as well as exporting a limited number of Fortuners to African countries. The Fortuner is not available in European markets.

Toyota topped the exporter list in September when it shipped 4 779 units, to bring its nine-month total to 31 286 units. This figure was compared with the 28 976 units exported by deposed "champion" BMW, VWSA's 25 912 units and Mercedes-Benz's 18 635. Another late starter, Ford, fills the fifth position with 16 765 units.

Total built-up vehicle exports from South Africa for the first nine months of 2006 totalled 129 579 units, which is a 35 per cent improvement over the 96 113 units exported in the same period last year. The 2005 figure was 17 per cent up on that for the first nine months of 2004.

The export programmes are certainly booming, with Mercedes-Benz having already secured the contract to build the new C-Class from mid-2007.