Hijackers are targeting this discontinued bakkie in South Africa

The Nissan NP200 is one of the most high-risk vehicles for hijackings in South Africa, despite the fact that the vehicle was discontinued almost two years ago.

The security company Fidelity ADT recently published a list of the eight vehicles most frequently targeted by hijackers in South Africa, which includes the NP200 and one other discontinued model – the Nissan Almera sedan.

One thing that both of these models have in common is that they were incredibly popular prior to being discontinued, which means many of them are still on the roads.

Consequently, there is a high demand for spare parts, while supplies are incredibly limited since the manufacturer ended production for these cars.

This has created an enormous black market for vehicle components for discontinued models, as thieves and hijackers are only too happy to supply unscrupulous dealers, chop shops, and illegal resale networks.

Furthermore, the NP200 was an exceptionally popular vehicle that catered to the incredibly important niche market for compact bakkies.

While this segment used to feature several options, such as the Chevrolet Utility and Ford Bantam, the selection dwindled over the 2010s until only the NP200 remained.

Nissan continued to produce the vehicle at its Rosslyn plant in Gauteng until March 2024, when the small pickup was axed due to its ageing design.

At its peak, the NP200 sold thousands of units per month, putting it in the same league as larger double cabs like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max.

Despite its popularity, Nissan did not rollout a replacement, and no other manufacturer has taken advantage of the gap in the market to supply its own compact bakkie.

Half-tonne bakkies are an essential vehicle category as they offer an affordable and practical solution for small business owners, which is why demand for models like the NP200 has not disappeared despite the lack of new options.

This has resulted in skyrocketing demand for the NP200, making it a high-risk model for hijackings.

The discontinued Almera is facing a similar situation, as it was a popular sedan in its time.

Its affordability made it ideal for low-income households, rental agencies, e-hailing operators, and the taxi industry, all of whom are now in need of spare parts.

While hijackings were lower in January 2026, Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO of Fidelity Services Group, warned that this is a common dip and that crime will increase again later in the year once economic activity ramps up.

“Recorded hijackings are expected to continue following the cyclical pattern observed in 2025, characterised by short-term declines followed by renewed increases,” Bartmann told BusinessTech.

“Following the reduction recorded in January 2026, risk levels are likely to remain subdued through February. However, a gradual escalation is anticipated from March into April 2026.”

What criminals are looking for

In addition to the discontinued Nissan NP200 and Almera, the most hijacked cars in South Africa are the VW Polo and Polo Vivo, Toyota Quantum, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Grand i10, and Suzuki Ertiga.

“These vehicles are widely available in the domestic market and are associated with strong demand for resale or stripping for parts, making them attractive targets for organised criminal groups,” Bartmann said.

Chop shops require a steady supply of parts to meet the needs of motorists searching for affordable replacements, making these models prime targets.

The most-stolen car components typically include wheels, tyres, tailgates, batteries, and airbags, as these can be easily removed and are hard to trace.

Cartrack estimated that the illicit vehicle components market is worth around R442 million annually, illustrating how profitable the black market can be for thieves and hijackers.

It underscores a concerning phenomenon: a model’s discontinuation does not lower risk; rather, it heightens it, as the lack of production raises the value of illegitimate parts.