Just been to South Africa

[anthony]

Spent the past 3 weeks in beautiful South Africa,thats why no sales figures have been reported yet...
Saw millions of Volkswagens...
Citigolf is very popular,very few MK1 Jetta/Fox models now.
MK2 Golf now rare,a few more Jetta 2 models.
MK3 Golf...still a few,MK3 Jetta more popular.
MK4 GOLF...lots,with many MK4 Jettas.
MK5 GOLF...lots,with literally thousands of MK5 Jettas.
Polo 1996-2002...Not many,where have they disapeared to.
Polo/ClaSSIC ,current model...millions.

Saw a few of the new imports.
Quite a few current Passats,all sedans,but not 1 CC.
Saw a few Beetles,Eos s,Caddys,and even 1 new Red Scirocco.

A few MK6 Golfs,including a few new GTI models,and lots of T5 commercials.

A few Tiguans,and a few Tourags also.

Lots of Audis,no Skodas,and very few Seats.
VW paradise...
Also many Toyotas,mainly Corolla sedans,all Mercedes,BMWs...with Hondas,Mazdas,Fords,and GM products thrown into the mix.

Saw a few Australian Falcons,Territories,and Commodores,which are called Chevrolet Luminas,in sedan and ute form.

[Arctra]

Yeah, South Africans love their VW's, especially since the mid 80's after they refreshed their manufacturing facilities in the Eastern Cape. I don't know if it's still the case, but in general they love their Diesels too. I think the Mk4 Jetta TDI got an awesome reputation for its fuel economy and VW did a great job with their advertising campaign selling it as a "sexier that they ever expected it" car.

As for Audi's they were very popular as well, especially the A4. But in that class there's always been fierce rivalry between Merc and BMW dating back to the pre-sanctions era. BMW were normally the aggressors with their competitive advertising (BMW Beat the Bends advertising campaign springs to mind) and on 1 occasion targeted Audi. In the early 2000's Audi's sales really picked up so maybe they are more popular now.

South Africans also love their Toyota's. Firstly because they are tried and tested tough as nails, and secondly because they manufacture them. As well as Corolla's you probably noticed a lot of Hilux twin-cab pickups/utes? Twincabs are very popular and practical in Africa and the market there is huge. Nissan were Toyota's main competitor but I don't know if it's still that way.

Did you ever get the Fiat Uno in Australia? In the 90's the Uno was one of the most popular vehicles in SA, but thanks to their build quality I don't think there are many left today.

Where abouts did you go on your holiday as a matter of interest?

[anthony]

I hardly saw any Fiats,and Nissan seem to be battling at the moment.
I was in Johannesburgs Northern suburbs,which was very vibey and upmarket.

[pommy_golfer]

i watched a movie yesterday i rented from blockbuster, a 1 nighter set in south africa, film is called Jerusalema. its a bit of a ganster movie and loads of Vdubs in there, even a car chase between a red mk1 citi golf and a bora police car....

only watched half the movie but worth it just for that....

[Golf Houso]

Do you have any pictures you're willing to share? I'm seriously considering going there mid next year.

[anthony]

I have lots of pictures,not sure how to post them here though.I can e mail some to you maybee...