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The SA Vehicle Industry Thread
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
TheChamp
Honorary Master
Honda and Opel have totally managed, against all odds to price themselves out of the market, not a single Honda or Opel in the list, even outsold by Citroen, who would have thought...
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
Precious minerals shipped away: Why SA wants to incentivise local production of EV batteries
South Africa is considering expanding its vehicle production incentive programme to encourage the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in the country.
This would see the ITAC trade commission adding certain locally mined minerals to the list of items that qualify as local content under the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP), Xagta.com reported.
This list could be expanded to include materials such as lithium, copper, graphite, cobalt sulfate, manganese sulfate and other rare earth minerals.
South Africa is a significant producer of minerals such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, lithium and platinum. Building batteries in the country would help to maximise the value extracted from these precious minerals.
The government is also said to be considering increasing the customs duties on EV batteries, in order to further encourage local production, Xagta added.
However, this move could backfire if a manufacturer is interested in producing EVs in South Africa, but does not wish to use locally produced batteries. It could mean losing the entire vehicle production contract rather than just foregoing production of the battery components.
The APDP operates through a system of rebates and refunds on specific customs duties, and is aimed at incentivising local production of vehicles.
Following the publication of the Electric Vehicle White Paper in late 2023, South Africa has already taken concrete steps to incentivise the local production of electric vehicles.
From March 2026, car companies will be able to claim a 150% tax deduction on investments related to EV production in South Africa. This includes new production equipment and factory upgrades made with the intention of producing EVs.
The new incentive programme will run until March 2036.
South Africa is considering expanding its vehicle production incentive programme to encourage the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in the country.
This would see the ITAC trade commission adding certain locally mined minerals to the list of items that qualify as local content under the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP), Xagta.com reported.
This list could be expanded to include materials such as lithium, copper, graphite, cobalt sulfate, manganese sulfate and other rare earth minerals.
South Africa is a significant producer of minerals such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, lithium and platinum. Building batteries in the country would help to maximise the value extracted from these precious minerals.
The government is also said to be considering increasing the customs duties on EV batteries, in order to further encourage local production, Xagta added.
However, this move could backfire if a manufacturer is interested in producing EVs in South Africa, but does not wish to use locally produced batteries. It could mean losing the entire vehicle production contract rather than just foregoing production of the battery components.
The APDP operates through a system of rebates and refunds on specific customs duties, and is aimed at incentivising local production of vehicles.
Following the publication of the Electric Vehicle White Paper in late 2023, South Africa has already taken concrete steps to incentivise the local production of electric vehicles.
From March 2026, car companies will be able to claim a 150% tax deduction on investments related to EV production in South Africa. This includes new production equipment and factory upgrades made with the intention of producing EVs.
The new incentive programme will run until March 2036.
cr@zydude
Honorary Master
While we are the world's biggest producer of platinum and manganese (about as much as everyone else combined) we produced next to no nickel, cobalt or lithium.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Volkswagen still most popular brand for young South Africans, but Suzuki catching up
For the past 10 years, Volkswagen has been the most popular brand for South Africa’s new and used vehicle buyers aged under the age of 35.
According to Lightstone, financing data shows that the German brand has consistently remained the top choice for under 35s over the last decade, but below that, the rankings have shifted.
Around 2020, Toyota moved from third to second spot on the leaderboard.
Around this time Suzuki entered the top 10 for the first time and by 2024 it had taken third spot from Ford, which was second in 2015. The Blue Oval’s discontinuation of smaller cars like the Fiesta, Figo and EcoSport are likely behind this, although the brand’s Ranger bakkie remains immensely popular.
Chery and Haval have also entered the top 10 in recent years, ranking eighth and ninth respectively in 2025, behind Hyundai, BMW and Nissan.
BMW fell from fourth to sixth place between 2015 and 2025, while Chevrolet, fifth in 2015, fell rapidly off the list following the brand’s discontinuation in 2017.
Kia and Mazda have also fallen out of the top 10 in the past decade.
The study did not show any specific model preferences among the brands, but given that the Volkswagen Polo Vivo has consistently been South Africa’s most popular new passenger car model during this time period, it is likely favoured among the youth too.
As for vehicle types, SUVs and crossover-type vehicles overtook hatchbacks as the most popular body style in 2024. These two formats account for 80% of sales to buyers under 35, with double cabs emerging in third, albeit with a share of less than 10%.
For the past 10 years, Volkswagen has been the most popular brand for South Africa’s new and used vehicle buyers aged under the age of 35.
According to Lightstone, financing data shows that the German brand has consistently remained the top choice for under 35s over the last decade, but below that, the rankings have shifted.
Around 2020, Toyota moved from third to second spot on the leaderboard.
Around this time Suzuki entered the top 10 for the first time and by 2024 it had taken third spot from Ford, which was second in 2015. The Blue Oval’s discontinuation of smaller cars like the Fiesta, Figo and EcoSport are likely behind this, although the brand’s Ranger bakkie remains immensely popular.
Chery and Haval have also entered the top 10 in recent years, ranking eighth and ninth respectively in 2025, behind Hyundai, BMW and Nissan.
BMW fell from fourth to sixth place between 2015 and 2025, while Chevrolet, fifth in 2015, fell rapidly off the list following the brand’s discontinuation in 2017.
Kia and Mazda have also fallen out of the top 10 in the past decade.
The study did not show any specific model preferences among the brands, but given that the Volkswagen Polo Vivo has consistently been South Africa’s most popular new passenger car model during this time period, it is likely favoured among the youth too.
As for vehicle types, SUVs and crossover-type vehicles overtook hatchbacks as the most popular body style in 2024. These two formats account for 80% of sales to buyers under 35, with double cabs emerging in third, albeit with a share of less than 10%.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
74% of SA’s imported cars in 2024 came from these 2 countries
From which countries were most of South Africa’s imported light vehicles sourced last year? Well, just 2 nations accounted for a whopping 74.2% or 225 809 units between them…
Imported cars represented a considerable 62.8% of South Africa’s total new light-vehicle sales in 2024, with 304 355 units (out of an overall market of 484 808 units) shipped into Mzansi from 24 countries, according to Naamsa. That’s up on the 59.3% share reported for 2023.
So, which nations sent over most of South Africa’s imported light vehicles in 2024? Well, India was yet again the top country of origin in pure volume terms, with 173 742 passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles (LCV) imported into Mzansi last year. That accounts for a whopping 57.1% (up from 53.2% in 2023) of the total light vehicles imported in 2024.
Meanwhile, China consolidated 2nd position on the list of top countries of origin, with the South Asian giant accounting for a further 17.1% (or 52 067 units) of South Africa’s imported light vehicles last year. For the record, China sent over 39 308 units (or 13.3%) in 2023, so it’s clear local buyers are increasingly favouring models built in the world’s 2nd most populous nation.
Together, India and China were therefore responsible for a mammoth 225 809 units or 74.2% – so, very nearly 3 quarters – of new light vehicles shipped into South Africa in 2024. Of course, several global brands have established large-scale production facilities in India over the past few years, focusing primarily on budget vehicles.
Top countries of origin for SA’s imported light vehicles in 2024
1. India – 173 742 units (57.1%)
2. China – 52 067 units (17.1%)
3. Germany – 17 012 units (5.6%)
4. Japan – 12 705 units (4.2%)
5. Spain – 9 513 units (3.1%)
6. Thailand – 6 346 units (2.1%)
7. South Korea – 5 737 units (1.9%)
8. Portugal – 4 133 units (1.4%)
9. United States – 3 925 units (1.3%)
10. France – 3 019 units (1.0%)
From which countries were most of South Africa’s imported light vehicles sourced last year? Well, just 2 nations accounted for a whopping 74.2% or 225 809 units between them…
Imported cars represented a considerable 62.8% of South Africa’s total new light-vehicle sales in 2024, with 304 355 units (out of an overall market of 484 808 units) shipped into Mzansi from 24 countries, according to Naamsa. That’s up on the 59.3% share reported for 2023.
So, which nations sent over most of South Africa’s imported light vehicles in 2024? Well, India was yet again the top country of origin in pure volume terms, with 173 742 passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles (LCV) imported into Mzansi last year. That accounts for a whopping 57.1% (up from 53.2% in 2023) of the total light vehicles imported in 2024.
Meanwhile, China consolidated 2nd position on the list of top countries of origin, with the South Asian giant accounting for a further 17.1% (or 52 067 units) of South Africa’s imported light vehicles last year. For the record, China sent over 39 308 units (or 13.3%) in 2023, so it’s clear local buyers are increasingly favouring models built in the world’s 2nd most populous nation.
Together, India and China were therefore responsible for a mammoth 225 809 units or 74.2% – so, very nearly 3 quarters – of new light vehicles shipped into South Africa in 2024. Of course, several global brands have established large-scale production facilities in India over the past few years, focusing primarily on budget vehicles.
Top countries of origin for SA’s imported light vehicles in 2024
1. India – 173 742 units (57.1%)
2. China – 52 067 units (17.1%)
3. Germany – 17 012 units (5.6%)
4. Japan – 12 705 units (4.2%)
5. Spain – 9 513 units (3.1%)
6. Thailand – 6 346 units (2.1%)
7. South Korea – 5 737 units (1.9%)
8. Portugal – 4 133 units (1.4%)
9. United States – 3 925 units (1.3%)
10. France – 3 019 units (1.0%)
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Why Are New Cars So Expensive In South Africa?
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford Ranger stretches double-cab sales lead in May 2025
The Ford Ranger stretched its year-to-date double-cab sales lead in South Africa in May 2025, while the Toyota Hilux dominated the extended- and single-cab charts. Here are the figures…
In May 2025, the Ford Ranger was again South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie, stretching its lead in the year-to-date sales race in the process. At the same time, the Toyota Hilux – the local market’s most popular bakkie overall – topped the extended- and single-cab charts.
As a reminder, Naamsa’s monthly sales report unfortunately doesn’t include a breakdown of the 3 bakkie body styles available in Mzansi. However, the kind folks over at Lightstone Auto have again assisted us by providing these fascinating registration figures.
For the record, the Toyota Hilux (13 491 units) is at the top of the overall bakkie sales table in South Africa, year to date at the end of May 2025. The Ford Ranger (10 080 units) and Isuzu D-Max (8 168 units) are in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
The Ford Ranger stretched its year-to-date double-cab sales lead in South Africa in May 2025, while the Toyota Hilux dominated the extended- and single-cab charts. Here are the figures…
In May 2025, the Ford Ranger was again South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie, stretching its lead in the year-to-date sales race in the process. At the same time, the Toyota Hilux – the local market’s most popular bakkie overall – topped the extended- and single-cab charts.
As a reminder, Naamsa’s monthly sales report unfortunately doesn’t include a breakdown of the 3 bakkie body styles available in Mzansi. However, the kind folks over at Lightstone Auto have again assisted us by providing these fascinating registration figures.
For the record, the Toyota Hilux (13 491 units) is at the top of the overall bakkie sales table in South Africa, year to date at the end of May 2025. The Ford Ranger (10 080 units) and Isuzu D-Max (8 168 units) are in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
49% of SA’s cars come from one country, and it’s not China. But is local manufacturing in trouble?
South Africans are buying fewer locally produced vehicles than ever before, sparking fears of deindustrialisation as the market’s appetite for affordably priced imports grows.
Although the growing array of Chinese brands offered locally is usually seen as the greatest threat to local manufacturers, the vast majority of South Africa’s imported cars actually originate from India, according to the latest data from Lightstone.
36% of all the vehicles sold in South Africa in 2024 were imported from India, Lightstone said, while 37% were locally manufactured. Chinese imports accounted for just 11% of vehicle sales last year.
When we exclude the bakkies and light commercial vehicles, India’s share grows to almost half of our market. Lightstone figures for the first five months of 2025, shared exclusively with IOL, show that 49% of all passenger vehicle sales were imports from India.
The majority of these vehicles emanate from the Maruti Suzuki operation in India, which also supplies Toyota with vehicles such as the Starlet, Starlet Cross, Vitz and Urban Cruiser. Suzuki Auto’s own vehicles, such as the Swift, Baleno and Fronx, are also gaining market share, with the new-generation Swift having dominated the passenger car market on numerous occasions in 2025.
Interestingly, 84% of all the Japanese-branded light vehicles sold in South Africa in 2024 were imported from India, Lightstone said, with just 10% actually built in Japan. Likewise, the majority of South Korean (81%) and French branded vehicles (74%) are also sourced from India.
“The growth in vehicle sales originating in India can be attributed to the large number of vehicle manufacturers now producing vehicles in the country, leveraging the relatively cheap cost of labour and overall manufacturing costs,” said Andrew Hibbert, Auto Data Analyst at Lightstone.
Affordably priced Indian- and Chinese-build vehicles have, on the one hand, become a significant blessing to cash-strapped South African consumers.
Yet it is of concern that in 2009, around half of the light vehicles sold in South Africa were locally produced. In that year, just 5% of our vehicles were sourced from India.
South Africans are buying fewer locally produced vehicles than ever before, sparking fears of deindustrialisation as the market’s appetite for affordably priced imports grows.
Although the growing array of Chinese brands offered locally is usually seen as the greatest threat to local manufacturers, the vast majority of South Africa’s imported cars actually originate from India, according to the latest data from Lightstone.
36% of all the vehicles sold in South Africa in 2024 were imported from India, Lightstone said, while 37% were locally manufactured. Chinese imports accounted for just 11% of vehicle sales last year.
When we exclude the bakkies and light commercial vehicles, India’s share grows to almost half of our market. Lightstone figures for the first five months of 2025, shared exclusively with IOL, show that 49% of all passenger vehicle sales were imports from India.
The majority of these vehicles emanate from the Maruti Suzuki operation in India, which also supplies Toyota with vehicles such as the Starlet, Starlet Cross, Vitz and Urban Cruiser. Suzuki Auto’s own vehicles, such as the Swift, Baleno and Fronx, are also gaining market share, with the new-generation Swift having dominated the passenger car market on numerous occasions in 2025.
Interestingly, 84% of all the Japanese-branded light vehicles sold in South Africa in 2024 were imported from India, Lightstone said, with just 10% actually built in Japan. Likewise, the majority of South Korean (81%) and French branded vehicles (74%) are also sourced from India.
“The growth in vehicle sales originating in India can be attributed to the large number of vehicle manufacturers now producing vehicles in the country, leveraging the relatively cheap cost of labour and overall manufacturing costs,” said Andrew Hibbert, Auto Data Analyst at Lightstone.
Affordably priced Indian- and Chinese-build vehicles have, on the one hand, become a significant blessing to cash-strapped South African consumers.
Yet it is of concern that in 2009, around half of the light vehicles sold in South Africa were locally produced. In that year, just 5% of our vehicles were sourced from India.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford jumps Hyundai! SA’s new-vehicle sales in June 2025
June 2025 represented the SA new-vehicle market’s 9th consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Here’s your industry overview, including Mzansi’s 10 best-selling automakers…
The purple patch continues! In June 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market improved 18.7% year on year – the local industry’s 9th straight month of year-on-year growth – to end on 47 294 units. That figure furthermore represents a 4.4% increase over May 2025’s effort.
According to Naamsa, June 2025’s performance reflected a “sustained and broad-based recovery in consumer and fleet demand”. It also pushed SA’s new-vehicle sales for the opening half of 2025 to 278 911 units, a considerable 13.6% ahead of the same period in 2024. The industry representative body suggested this improvement was “supported by and large by an influx of affordable imported models”.
Interestingly, vehicle exports from South Africa in June 2025 increased 7.9% year on year to 36 343 units, despite what Naamsa described as the “growing toll of geopolitical and trade-related disruptions”. Year to date, exports stand at 195 549 units, up 2.6% compared to H1 2024.
According to Naamsa, 85.9% of June 2025’s total reported domestic figure represented dealer sales, while an estimated 8.2% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 3.2% to industry corporate fleets and 2.7% to government.
The country’s new passenger-vehicle market enjoyed a 21.7% year-on-year improvement to end the month on 32 570 units, some 10.7% of which represented sales to the nation’s rental-vehicle industry. Meanwhile, Mzansi’s light-commercial vehicle segment registered its 3rd straight month of year-on-year growth, increasing a promising 14.9% to 12 129 units.
Meanwhile, Brandon Cohen, National Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), suggested that though this latest instance of year-on-year growth came “off a low base in [June] 2024”, the numbers were not “just a rebound” but rather “a show of force from South African motor dealers”.
“When you consider the layered complexity of our operating environment – from domestic politics to global supply pressures – these figures reflect the unmatched responsiveness and customer focus of our dealer networks across the country,” Cohen said.
New-vehicle sales summary for June 2025
- Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 47 294 units increased by 18.7% (7 444 units) compared to June 2024.
- New passenger-vehicle sales of 32 570 units increased by 21.7% (5 807 units) compared to June 2024.
- New light-commercial vehicle sales of 12 129 units increased by 14.9% (1 570 units) compared to June 2024.
- Export sales of 36 343 units increased by 7.9% (2 647 units) compared to June 2024.
10 best-selling automakers in SA in June 2025
1. Toyota – 11 690 units
2. Suzuki – 5 221 units
3. Volkswagen Group – 4 973 units
4. Ford – 3 058 units
5. Hyundai – 2 905 units
6. GWM – 2 288 units
7. Chery – 2 101 units
8. Isuzu – 2 087 units
9. Mahindra – 1 483 units
10. BMW Group – 1 349 units
June 2025 represented the SA new-vehicle market’s 9th consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Here’s your industry overview, including Mzansi’s 10 best-selling automakers…
The purple patch continues! In June 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market improved 18.7% year on year – the local industry’s 9th straight month of year-on-year growth – to end on 47 294 units. That figure furthermore represents a 4.4% increase over May 2025’s effort.
According to Naamsa, June 2025’s performance reflected a “sustained and broad-based recovery in consumer and fleet demand”. It also pushed SA’s new-vehicle sales for the opening half of 2025 to 278 911 units, a considerable 13.6% ahead of the same period in 2024. The industry representative body suggested this improvement was “supported by and large by an influx of affordable imported models”.
Interestingly, vehicle exports from South Africa in June 2025 increased 7.9% year on year to 36 343 units, despite what Naamsa described as the “growing toll of geopolitical and trade-related disruptions”. Year to date, exports stand at 195 549 units, up 2.6% compared to H1 2024.
According to Naamsa, 85.9% of June 2025’s total reported domestic figure represented dealer sales, while an estimated 8.2% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 3.2% to industry corporate fleets and 2.7% to government.
The country’s new passenger-vehicle market enjoyed a 21.7% year-on-year improvement to end the month on 32 570 units, some 10.7% of which represented sales to the nation’s rental-vehicle industry. Meanwhile, Mzansi’s light-commercial vehicle segment registered its 3rd straight month of year-on-year growth, increasing a promising 14.9% to 12 129 units.
Meanwhile, Brandon Cohen, National Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), suggested that though this latest instance of year-on-year growth came “off a low base in [June] 2024”, the numbers were not “just a rebound” but rather “a show of force from South African motor dealers”.
“When you consider the layered complexity of our operating environment – from domestic politics to global supply pressures – these figures reflect the unmatched responsiveness and customer focus of our dealer networks across the country,” Cohen said.
New-vehicle sales summary for June 2025
- Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 47 294 units increased by 18.7% (7 444 units) compared to June 2024.
- New passenger-vehicle sales of 32 570 units increased by 21.7% (5 807 units) compared to June 2024.
- New light-commercial vehicle sales of 12 129 units increased by 14.9% (1 570 units) compared to June 2024.
- Export sales of 36 343 units increased by 7.9% (2 647 units) compared to June 2024.
10 best-selling automakers in SA in June 2025
1. Toyota – 11 690 units
2. Suzuki – 5 221 units
3. Volkswagen Group – 4 973 units
4. Ford – 3 058 units
5. Hyundai – 2 905 units
6. GWM – 2 288 units
7. Chery – 2 101 units
8. Isuzu – 2 087 units
9. Mahindra – 1 483 units
10. BMW Group – 1 349 units
It shows you how much the SA economy is missing out. We have a much more unequal society than India and plenty of unemployed and unskilled.
Imagine if the unions were muzzled and the labour laws were relaxed and our manufacturers were supported with preferential import/export tariffs and improved land transportation and port facilities, we'd be booming like India and our unemployment rates would begin dropping.
I'm not going to get political here, just factual.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
These were SA’s best selling brands as car sales continue to vroom in June
New vehicle sales in South Africa continued to climb last month, continuing a positive trend for the first half of the year.
www.timeslive.co.za
The local market feels like a bubble.
Based on the severe financial distress that I see when meeting with people in a certain aspect of my life, I expect that repossessions of cars will begin to skyrocket over the next 9-18 months as there becomes too much month for the take home money in many households who didn't buy down and leave room for the rainy days ...
Last thing from me this evening: A F-Ton of new car buyers are cancelling their insurance within a few months of driving off the showroom floor.
We have this conversation regularly - example:
Customer walks in to our shop....
"I need a quote for a new windscreen in my BMW X3"
"Sure, what year model?"
"2024"
"Cash or insurance?
"Cash, I don't have insurance".
Good luck to ya, bud!
We have this conversation regularly - example:
Customer walks in to our shop....
"I need a quote for a new windscreen in my BMW X3"
"Sure, what year model?"
"2024"
"Cash or insurance?
"Cash, I don't have insurance".
Good luck to ya, bud!
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Hilux hits 15-month high! SA’s best-selling bakkies in June 2025
The Hilux registered its best effort in 15 months, while the Land Cruiser 79 broke into the top 5 on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for June 2025…
In June 2025, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market grew 18.7% year on year to 47 294 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment enjoying its 3rd consecutive month of year-on-year growth, improving a similarly promising 14.9% to 12 129 units. So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in June 2025?
Well, the Toyota Hilux not only retained pole position but registered 19.1% month-on-month growth to put in its best performance of the year thus far – and indeed its top showing since March 2024, some 15 months ago. In the end, the Japanese brand sold 3 035 units of its Prospecton-built stalwart (including 174 examples via the rental channel), marking the first time the Hilux has breached the 3 000-unit mark in 2025.
The Ford Ranger again placed 2nd, despite improving its May 2025 showing by 8.0% to end the month on 2 318 units (including 104 sales to government), likewise its top effort of the year so far. That saw the Silverton-made bakkie finish well ahead of the 3rd-placed Isuzu D-Max, which enjoyed 13.9% month-on-month growth to reach 1 678 units in June. As many as 411 of those D-Max units represented sales to government.
The Mahindra Pik Up (up 9.4% month on month to 860 units) held steady in 4th – a position this KwaZulu-Natal-assembled bakkie has now very much made its own – while the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 moved up a ranking to break into the top 5. The evergreen Japanese bakkie registered the strongest instance of month-on-month growth in the top 10 as well as its best month of H1 2025, improving 69.8% to total an impressive 591 units.
The Hilux registered its best effort in 15 months, while the Land Cruiser 79 broke into the top 5 on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for June 2025…
In June 2025, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market grew 18.7% year on year to 47 294 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment enjoying its 3rd consecutive month of year-on-year growth, improving a similarly promising 14.9% to 12 129 units. So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in June 2025?
Well, the Toyota Hilux not only retained pole position but registered 19.1% month-on-month growth to put in its best performance of the year thus far – and indeed its top showing since March 2024, some 15 months ago. In the end, the Japanese brand sold 3 035 units of its Prospecton-built stalwart (including 174 examples via the rental channel), marking the first time the Hilux has breached the 3 000-unit mark in 2025.
The Ford Ranger again placed 2nd, despite improving its May 2025 showing by 8.0% to end the month on 2 318 units (including 104 sales to government), likewise its top effort of the year so far. That saw the Silverton-made bakkie finish well ahead of the 3rd-placed Isuzu D-Max, which enjoyed 13.9% month-on-month growth to reach 1 678 units in June. As many as 411 of those D-Max units represented sales to government.
The Mahindra Pik Up (up 9.4% month on month to 860 units) held steady in 4th – a position this KwaZulu-Natal-assembled bakkie has now very much made its own – while the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 moved up a ranking to break into the top 5. The evergreen Japanese bakkie registered the strongest instance of month-on-month growth in the top 10 as well as its best month of H1 2025, improving 69.8% to total an impressive 591 units.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New vehicle sales surge continues: These were the 50 best sellers and top brands in June
South Africa’s new vehicle market continues to defy the economic odds, with another strong sales month recorded in June.
The total new vehicle market saw a volume of 47,294 units last month, an impressive increase of 18.7% versus the same month in 2024.
Robust growth was seen in both the passenger car market, which grew by 21.7% year-on-year to total 26,763 units in June, and the light commercial sector, which surged by 14.9% to 10,559 units.
But while the medium commercials also showed solid growth, up 24.7% to 652 units, the heavy commercials decreased by 3.1% to 1,943 units.
85.9% of vehicles were sold through the traditional dealer channels in June, Naamsa said, while the rental industry scooped up 8.2% and corporate and government clients accounted for 3.2% and 2.7% of the market, respectively.
Naamsa said that sales for the first half of 2025 were now 1.36% ahead of the same period in 2024.
On the sales charts, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger led the bakkie race, both making notable gains over the previous month, while the Toyota Corolla Cross surged to the top of the passenger car list with an impressive volume of 2,132 units. Suzuki’s Swift, which led the way last month, fell back to seventh after the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro made some notable gains.
South Africa’s 50 best-selling vehicles: June 2025
Toyota Hilux - 3,035
Ford Ranger - 2,318
Toyota Corolla Cross - 2,132
Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 1,962
Isuzu D-Max - 1,678
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro - 1,538
Suzuki Swift - 1,466
Hyundai Grand i10 - 1,301
Haval Jolion - 1,116
Suzuki Fronx - 1,112
Toyota Fortuner - 878
Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up - 860
Toyota Starlet - 852
Suzuki Ertiga - 840
Toyota Vitz - 794
Volkswagen Polo - 756
Kia Sonet - 735
Toyota Urban Cruiser - 720
Nissan Magnite - 678
Toyota Starlet Cross - 657
Renault Kwid - 597
Toyota Land Cruiser PU - 591
Volkswagen T-Cross - 588
Toyota Hi-Ace - 524
Omoda C5 - 478
Mahindra 3XO - 475
Haval H6 - 456
Hyundai Exter - 438
Renault Kiger - 437
Nissan Navara - 403
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro - 401
Suzuki S-Presso - 379
Toyota Rumion - 375
Jetour Dashing - 373
GWM P-Series - 367
Suzuki Baleno - 360
Volkswagen Amarok - 354
Citroen C3 - 348
BMW X3 - 339
Jetour X70 Plus - 310
Ford Everest - 306
Ford Territory - 286
Hyundai i20 - 278
Volkswagen Tiguan - 273
Suzuki Jimny - 250
BMW 3 Series - 236
Jaecoo J7 - 230
Foton Tunland G7 - 224
Beijing X55 Plus - 215
Omoda X5 X - 215
Volkswagen Polo Sedan - 214
Top Manufacturers
Toyota - 11,690
Suzuki Auto - 5,221
Volkswagen - 4,973
Ford - 3,058
Hyundai - 2,905
GWM / Haval - 2,288
Chery Auto - 2,101
Isuzu Motors - 2,087
Mahindra - 1,483
BMW Group - 1,349
South Africa’s new vehicle market continues to defy the economic odds, with another strong sales month recorded in June.
The total new vehicle market saw a volume of 47,294 units last month, an impressive increase of 18.7% versus the same month in 2024.
Robust growth was seen in both the passenger car market, which grew by 21.7% year-on-year to total 26,763 units in June, and the light commercial sector, which surged by 14.9% to 10,559 units.
But while the medium commercials also showed solid growth, up 24.7% to 652 units, the heavy commercials decreased by 3.1% to 1,943 units.
85.9% of vehicles were sold through the traditional dealer channels in June, Naamsa said, while the rental industry scooped up 8.2% and corporate and government clients accounted for 3.2% and 2.7% of the market, respectively.
Naamsa said that sales for the first half of 2025 were now 1.36% ahead of the same period in 2024.
On the sales charts, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger led the bakkie race, both making notable gains over the previous month, while the Toyota Corolla Cross surged to the top of the passenger car list with an impressive volume of 2,132 units. Suzuki’s Swift, which led the way last month, fell back to seventh after the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro made some notable gains.
South Africa’s 50 best-selling vehicles: June 2025
Toyota Hilux - 3,035
Ford Ranger - 2,318
Toyota Corolla Cross - 2,132
Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 1,962
Isuzu D-Max - 1,678
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro - 1,538
Suzuki Swift - 1,466
Hyundai Grand i10 - 1,301
Haval Jolion - 1,116
Suzuki Fronx - 1,112
Toyota Fortuner - 878
Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up - 860
Toyota Starlet - 852
Suzuki Ertiga - 840
Toyota Vitz - 794
Volkswagen Polo - 756
Kia Sonet - 735
Toyota Urban Cruiser - 720
Nissan Magnite - 678
Toyota Starlet Cross - 657
Renault Kwid - 597
Toyota Land Cruiser PU - 591
Volkswagen T-Cross - 588
Toyota Hi-Ace - 524
Omoda C5 - 478
Mahindra 3XO - 475
Haval H6 - 456
Hyundai Exter - 438
Renault Kiger - 437
Nissan Navara - 403
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro - 401
Suzuki S-Presso - 379
Toyota Rumion - 375
Jetour Dashing - 373
GWM P-Series - 367
Suzuki Baleno - 360
Volkswagen Amarok - 354
Citroen C3 - 348
BMW X3 - 339
Jetour X70 Plus - 310
Ford Everest - 306
Ford Territory - 286
Hyundai i20 - 278
Volkswagen Tiguan - 273
Suzuki Jimny - 250
BMW 3 Series - 236
Jaecoo J7 - 230
Foton Tunland G7 - 224
Beijing X55 Plus - 215
Omoda X5 X - 215
Volkswagen Polo Sedan - 214
Top Manufacturers
Toyota - 11,690
Suzuki Auto - 5,221
Volkswagen - 4,973
Ford - 3,058
Hyundai - 2,905
GWM / Haval - 2,288
Chery Auto - 2,101
Isuzu Motors - 2,087
Mahindra - 1,483
BMW Group - 1,349
FiestaST
Honorary Master
June 2025 passenger-car sales: Tiggo 4 Pro cracks top 3 (sort of)
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro put in its best-ever sales performance (with a caveat) to break into the top 3 on the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger cars for June 2025…
In June 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market improved 18.7% year on year to finish on 47 294 units. Growth in the local passenger-vehicle market was even more robust, increasing 21.7% year on year to 32 570 units (thanks in part to the rental-vehicle channel, which accounted for 10.7% of that figure).
So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best-selling passenger vehicles in June 2025? Well, the Toyota Corolla Cross climbed a ranking to seize first place, with sales surging 30.9% month on month to 2 132 units (including 189 units sold to the rental industry). For the record, that represents the Prospecton-built crossover’s best effort of the year thus far.
Meanwhile, sales of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo increased 27.2% month on month to 1 962 units in June 2025, seeing the Kariega-built hatchback move up a spot to 2nd place. Much of that growth came courtesy of the rental-vehicle channel, with 484 units (or almost a quarter of its total) sold in this space.
But the big news was the performance of the Chinese-made Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, which reached an all-time sales high of 1 538 units – adding 22.6% to the prior month’s figure – to move up 2 rankings and break into the top 3 for the very first time. This, however, comes with a caveat…
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in June 2025
1. Toyota Corolla Cross – 2 132 units
2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 1 962 units
3. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1 538 units
4. Suzuki Swift – 1 466 units
5. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 301 units
6. Haval Jolion – 1 116 units
7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 112 units
8. Toyota Fortuner – 878 units
9. Toyota Starlet – 852 units
10. Suzuki Ertiga – 840 units
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro put in its best-ever sales performance (with a caveat) to break into the top 3 on the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger cars for June 2025…
In June 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market improved 18.7% year on year to finish on 47 294 units. Growth in the local passenger-vehicle market was even more robust, increasing 21.7% year on year to 32 570 units (thanks in part to the rental-vehicle channel, which accounted for 10.7% of that figure).
So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best-selling passenger vehicles in June 2025? Well, the Toyota Corolla Cross climbed a ranking to seize first place, with sales surging 30.9% month on month to 2 132 units (including 189 units sold to the rental industry). For the record, that represents the Prospecton-built crossover’s best effort of the year thus far.
Meanwhile, sales of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo increased 27.2% month on month to 1 962 units in June 2025, seeing the Kariega-built hatchback move up a spot to 2nd place. Much of that growth came courtesy of the rental-vehicle channel, with 484 units (or almost a quarter of its total) sold in this space.
But the big news was the performance of the Chinese-made Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, which reached an all-time sales high of 1 538 units – adding 22.6% to the prior month’s figure – to move up 2 rankings and break into the top 3 for the very first time. This, however, comes with a caveat…
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in June 2025
1. Toyota Corolla Cross – 2 132 units
2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 1 962 units
3. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1 538 units
4. Suzuki Swift – 1 466 units
5. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 301 units
6. Haval Jolion – 1 116 units
7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 112 units
8. Toyota Fortuner – 878 units
9. Toyota Starlet – 852 units
10. Suzuki Ertiga – 840 units