After a one-year hiatus, Senegal is back in focus for the annual Best Selling Cars Blog (BSCB) updates. In 2017, the country witnessed the sale of 7,279 new light vehicles, marking a 25% decline from the figures recorded in 2015.
Toyota strengthened its market presence, securing a notable 31.5% share, a significant increase from the 25.5% reported a year earlier. This article delves into the driving forces behind Senegal's automotive market, spotlighting the top-selling models and notable trends.Source
Market Overview
The Senegalese automotive market faced a challenging year in 2017, experiencing a 25% decline in new light vehicle sales compared to 2015. Despite this setback, Toyota emerged as a dominant player, tightening its grip on the market with an impressive 31.5% share.
Brand Dynamics
Toyota's Ascendancy: Toyota's market share surged to 31.5%, showcasing its stronghold in Senegal's car market. The brand's strategic positioning and diverse model lineup contributed to this remarkable feat.Mitsubishi's Steady Presence: Holding the second position, Mitsubishi maintained a solid 12.5% share. The brand's consistency highlights its appeal among Senegalese car buyers.
Renault and Citroen's Rise: Renault and Citroen secured the third and fourth spots, gaining one position each from 2015. With 9.2% and 8.4% shares, respectively, they showcased growth and popularity in Senegal.
Model Breakdown
Toyota Hilux Dominance: The Toyota Hilux reigned supreme in Senegal, claiming the top spot in the model ranking with an impressive 11.8% share. This commanding performance solidified Toyota's position as the go-to brand for Senegalese consumers.
Mitsubishi L200's Descent: The 2015 leader, the Mitsubishi L200, experienced a decline, trailing behind the Hilux by 3.5 percentage points. Despite this, Mitsubishi maintained a notable presence in the market.
SUVs and Sedans Surge: Senegal showcased a preference for SUVs and sedans, which is evident in the top-selling models. The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 secured a spot on the annual podium, emphasising the popularity of SUVs. The Citroen C-Elysee emerged as the best-selling sedan, outperforming the Renault Symbol.
Top 10 Highlights
Toyota Hilux's Command: The Toyota Hilux's dominance, claiming an 11.8% share, reflects its appeal as a reliable and versatile vehicle in Senegal.
SUVs in Focus: SUVs, including the Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, RAV4, and Fortuner, accounted for six out of the top 10 spots, underscoring the rising trend of sport utility vehicles in Senegal. Citroen C-Elysee's Sedan Success: The Citroen C-Elysee's impressive performance as the best-selling sedan adds a unique touch to Senegal's automotive landscape.
Notable Changes
Toyota Land Cruiser 200's Debut: The expensive Toyota Land Cruiser 200 made a noteworthy appearance at #13, signalling the market's interest in premium and luxurious vehicles.Brand Shifts: Tata replaced Peugeot in the Top 10, showcasing the dynamic nature of Senegal's automotive preferences.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges faced in 2017, the Senegalese automotive market remained vibrant, with Toyota asserting its dominance. The surge in SUV popularity and the success of sedans like the Citroen C-Elysee paint a fascinating picture of Senegal's evolving car culture, setting the stage for continued exploration and growth in the coming years.
