This is the first post in this series of “Top 10 GPS units sold in South Africa” posts so please read of the note at the bottom of this post. These lists are simply intended to give you, the reader, a better idea of the GPS market trends in SA. I will also be including my own personal observations and opinions.

Garmin Dominate
As you can see from the list, Garmin are completely dominating the South African market at the moment and for good reason too. Simply put, they have had a physical presence in this country much longer than anyone else, as well as having the largest range of GPS units and accessories on the market. Their Authorised Dealer network is by far the biggest in the country (which also means better service and support).

Over the past 9 years I have personally seen the market change from predominantly Outdoor Handheld type units to the ever more popular Street Navigator units. This is an indication of the huge increase in popularity amongst the city folk who are seeing the time saving and convenience benefits of owning a GPS navigation device. That and the overall decrease in prices of course.

Many of my own early customers were buying their GPSr’s with one specific purpose in mind, maybe a 4×4 trip through Botswana or a family holiday to Cape Town. But they all swore blind that they would have need to use “this gadget” on a daily basis. Yet, when speaking to them a few months later, most of them could no longer live without their GPS? Can you remember that time before cellphones?

Most of the top sellers in SA these days are Street Navigators and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon.

1 - Garmin Nuvi 200
2 - Garmin Nuvi 200W
3 - Garmin Nuvi 710
4 - Garmin Nuvi 310 - (Unit Discontinued in SA)
5 - Garmin Nuvi 250W - (Unit Discontinued in SA)
6 - Garmin Quest (and Quest II) - (Units Discontinued in SA)
7 - Garmin Nuvi 760
8 - JNC Navig8 GPS-580
9 - Garmin Nuvi 205
10 - Garmin Colorado

[Please Note: This information is based on figures from the monthly GfK Retail Reports. GfK Retail and Technology tracks the sales of consumer durables through monthly retail audits done on model level, this audit is carried out across all relevant channels of distribution. GfK currently tracks and reports on 45 product categories within the consumer electronic, domestic appliances, telecoms, IT, gaming and Sports markets. These reports are free of charge to any retailer participating on the GfK Retail Panel. Gismap GPS Shop is part of the GfK Retail Panel. For more information, please contact GfK on: (011) 803 1300 or www.gfkrt.com. (Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by the authors on this website/blog do not necessarily reflect the views of GfK Group, GfK RT South Africa or any of its affiliate companies.)]

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