Summary
– Pickups are popular in traditional auto markets like South Africa, Australia, and Thailand, with sales exceeding 60,000 units per year
– In African countries, the majority of new vehicle registrations are used vehicles, with pickups accounting for over 50% of new vehicle sales
– New pickups are often purchased by fleet operators and businesses for various work applications
– Several electric pickups are now available in some African markets, including the JAC T8 and SAIC Maxus T90 EV
– BYD has introduced a plug-in hybrid pickup truck called the Shark, with plans for a full battery-electric version in the future
Article
Pickup trucks are popular in many traditional auto markets, with large sales numbers in countries like South Africa and Australia. In South Africa, around 60,000 Toyota Hilux pickups are sold annually, and a similar number in Australia. Other popular pickups like the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max also contribute to high sales numbers in these markets. In the US, Ford’s F-series of ICE trucks sells about 600,000 units per year. Despite low brand new vehicle sales in some African countries, the pickup segment stands out, with over 50% of new vehicle sales being pickups.
In many African countries, new vehicle sales may not accurately represent the overall auto market due to the majority of registrations being used vehicles. However, pickups are a significant portion of new vehicle sales in these countries, appealing to fleet operators, governments, and various industries such as mining and agriculture. The transition to electrified vehicles could be smoother for these entities with electric pickups that offer a range of around 100km, along with the support of ICE engines when needed. The potential for growth in pickup sales and other vehicle segments is evident in many African markets that are starting with low motorization levels.
Zimbabwe offers an example where pickups account for 67% of brand new vehicle sales. Single cab pickups make up around 39.3% of sales, while double cab pickups constitute 27.2% of sales. Although total annual vehicle sales are relatively small at about 5,000 units, there is room for growth in both pickup sales and other vehicle segments in the country. With many use cases for pickups involving work around large campuses like farms and mines, the introduction of electric pickups in some African markets is promising. Models like the JAC T8 and SAIC Maxus T90 EV are now available in some African regions, offering an electrified alternative.
The emergence of plug-in hybrid pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger in South Africa and the BYD Shark in Mexico presents interesting options for the market. The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid combines an ICE engine with an electric motor, offering a targeted driving range of over 45km in pure electric mode. The BYD Shark features a powerful electric powertrain with a stated all-electric range of 100km. While opinions on plug-in hybrids may vary, longer-range options could alleviate range anxiety concerns in markets where charging infrastructure is still developing.
BYD is also working on a full battery-electric version of the Shark pickup, set to be released in the near future. Introducing plug-in hybrid pickups in a key vehicle segment could help heighten awareness and prepare the market for the eventual shift towards full battery-electric vehicles. The BYD Shark and other electric pickups have the potential to be game-changers in the African market, setting the stage for a new era of electric mobility. This transition could be supported by the availability of charging infrastructure and the introduction of more electric vehicle models in the region.
Read the full article here
