Hijackers are still targeting this discontinued car in South Africa
Car parts and demand are primary drivers of hijackings in South Africa, and this is especially true for the now-discontinued Nissan NP200 bakkie.
The highly popular Nissan NP200 bakkie, a staple on South African roads and a favourite for businesses and communities alike, was officially discontinued this year.
The NP200, celebrated for its affordability and versatility, has long been one of South Africa’s top-selling vehicles.
It consistently ranked high on sales charts and enjoyed popularity not just domestically but across Africa.
This small light commercial vehicle (LCV) was a lifeline for small businesses and individuals needing a reliable and cost-effective workhorse.
In its final month of production in March 2024, the bakkie achieved an astonishing 2,679 sales; a figure that underscored its enduring appeal and the rush to own one before it disappeared from dealership floors.
Priced from just R245,300, the NP200 was a go-to choice for those seeking value, cementing its place as one of the country’s most affordable and functional vehicles.
However, its discontinuation marks the end of an era and possibly the beginning of heightened risks for its owners.
Experts warn that the NP200, along with other discontinued models such as the Nissan Almera and Toyota Etios, is likely to move up on the list of hijacker targets with longstanding favourites like the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, and Volkswagen Polo.
The vehicles Targeted are not just popular on South Africa’s roads; they are also highly sought after in the black market for spare parts.
The link between hijackings and the availability of vehicle parts is starkly clear in South Africa.
According to the South African Police Services (SAPS), the country sees an average of 66 car hijackings daily, a staggering 34% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Fidelity ADT has described the hijacking business as one driven by the principles of supply and demand.
While some vehicles are stolen to be resold, the dismantling and resale of components have become a faster and more profitable alternative.
The scarcity of spare parts for discontinued models like the NP200 exacerbates this issue, as thieves aim to meet the market’s needs.
Cartrack, a leading car-tracking service, echoes these concerns, emphasising the rise in thefts of specific car components.
Items such as wheels, tyres, tailgates, batteries, and airbags are among the most stolen, as they can be removed in mere minutes and are difficult to trace.
This has made dismantled car parts a lucrative black-market trade, with illegal chop shops thriving on the high demand for affordable spares.
Cartrack estimates the annual value of this illicit trade at R442 million, underscoring the scale of the problem.
The discontinuation of the NP200 only heightens the risks.
With production halted spare parts will inevitably become harder to find through legitimate channels.
This scarcity is expected to fuel demand on the black market, further incentivising hijackers to target these vehicles.
As a result, NP200 owners may find themselves more vulnerable to crime, especially in areas already identified as hijacking hotspots.
Data from Tracker, another vehicle recovery service, shows that home driveways, malls, school events, and sports gatherings remain prime locations for vehicle theft.
South Africa’s vehicle theft landscape is shaped by well-organised criminal syndicates capable of dismantling cars in minutes.
The stolen parts are quickly absorbed into a thriving underground economy driven by businesses and individuals who cannot afford to buy new spares.
As parts become scarcer, the NP200 bakkie’s affordability and widespread use will continue to make it a desirable target.
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