The VW Amarok has sold 41,422 units since its launch in South Africa in November 2010.
That works out to roughly 3,451 units per year, or 287 units a month, which has been enough to make it a consistent top 10 best-seller in South Africa’s highly-popular and fiercely-contested bakkie market.
While others may outsell VW’s most utilitarian offering, the Amarok’s steadfast sales have made it a common sight on South Africa’s roads and a mainstay of the VW brand.
What’s popular
The Amarok makes up 4% of VW South Africa’s total sales – a not insignificant figure for a brand that is better known for the incredible popularity of its affordable hatchbacks such as the Polo and Polo Vivo.
If passenger cars are excluded, the bakkie accounts for more than a 40% share of VW’s commercial vehicle sales, which includes the likes of the Caddy, T6.1 Kombi, and Crafter.
Similarly, two-thirds of the company’s commercial vehicle exports consist of bakkies, outperforming the second-best seller, the VW Caddy panel van, by a two-to-one ratio last month, according to Naamsa’s sales statistics.
VW confirmed to TopAuto that the 3.0-litre, V6 TDI engine producing 190kW and a whopping 580Nm has been the powertrain of choice for the vast majority of Amarok buyers, accounting for 75% of all units sold over the past nearly 12 years.
This particular engine is currently available on the two range-topping versions of the bakkie – the Highline and the Extreme – with a price tag of R986,700 and R1,076,400 respectively.
The first-generation Amarok is also available with a choice of a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine generating 132kW and 400Nm, with prices starting at R764,500.
It was further confirmed that the Highline model, with its eight-speed automatic transmission, is the most popular derivative of the Amarok, bringing home more than 50% of total sales for the German automaker.
What’s next
The next-generation of the VW Amarok was revealed to the world earlier this month, promising a host of updated drivetrains and five new trim levels.
The bakkie will go on sale in South Africa early next year and the local variants will feature selectable 4×4, five different drive modes, an updated interior with a vertical infotainment screen, and several new driver’s aids.
The pricing of the new 4×4 has not been revealed, but is expected to be announced closer to the end of the year.
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