The SA Vehicle Industry Thread

Will Suzuki build cars in SA? Minister Tau engaging with carmakers as tariff debate rages

Donald Trump’s automotive tariffs, while only affecting the Mercedes-Benz operations in South Africa, have sparked conversations on whether the government is sufficiently protecting own market.

According to Lightstone, around 37% of the vehicles that South Africans purchase are locally produced, while a significant 36% are imported from India and 11% from China.

At a media event outlining South Africa's response to Donald Trump's tariffs, held in Pretoria on Tuesday, Minister of Trade and Industry, Parks Tau, revealed some interesting insights into the country's plan for the automotive industry.

Asked whether the government was considering raising the import tariffs on Indian and Chinese vehicles in order to prevent our market from being flooded, Tau did not rule out such a move but said the Department of Trade, Industry and Commerce (DTIC) was not in favour of punitive measures.

“With regards to Chinese and Indian auto, it is a discussion that we’re currently having with the intention of taking a less punitive approach, but rather taking a more proactive approach of getting some of those products manufactured in the country.”

Tau said many Chinese manufacturers had expressed interest in establishing themselves in the country and were making contributions towards a revised Automotive Production and Development Program (APDP), which is currently under review.

Tau said he could not comment on what the actual decision would be, regarding tariffs, but added that it was the government’s intention to accelerate the policy development process and related instruments in the implementation of the APDP.

 
Motor manufacturers under threat: SA mulls incentive revisions, but are tariffs the answer?

South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry is facing an existential crisis as affordable imports from India and China flood the market and export contracts come under threat.

Although the imposition of US tariffs only affects Mercedes-Benz at present, this is expected to take a significant toll on that company, while elsewhere in the industry, a gradual deindustrialisation is eroding local output.

While industry leaders such as Toyota SA CEO Andrew Kirby have previously sounded the warning bells about industrial decline, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, added to the chorus this week when he stated that the abovementioned pressures have resulted in 12 component company closures and over 4,000 job losses in the last two years.

Speaking at an industry showcase held by the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam) on Wednesday, Tau stated that local vehicle production, at 515,850 units in 2024, was far below the Automotive Masterplan 2035 target of 784,509.

Equally worrying is that local content for vehicle production remains stagnant at 39%, well below the 64% target.

Imports remain a threat, as just 37% of the vehicles that South Africans purchase are locally produced, according to Lightstone, while 36% are sourced from India and 11% from China.

 
Should you buy a car with a balloon payment? These are the pros and cons to consider

It’s a temptation like no other. The salesperson presents you with a finance deal that seems too good to be true. It means you could actually drive away with the car you want, rather than that meagre baseline hatchback that falls within your budget.

Yet when something seems too good to be true, it usually is, and many vehicle buyers have been burned by the so-called ‘balloon payment’ deal that is extremely common today.

A Volkswagen Polo driver in the Eastern Cape recently found this out the hard way after having his car repossessed at the end of the normal finance period. He claimed he had no idea that there was an outstanding amount.

According to a recent report, up to a third of vehicle loan customers are currently choosing the maximum balloon payment option. What is a balloon payment? It’s a bit like a ‘second deposit’ that needs to be paid at the end of the loan term. Deducting this amount from the finance calculation leads to lower monthly installments, but this can bite you in the back in more ways than one.

Perhaps one of the biggest dangers is that having lower monthly instalments means it takes you longer to reach the ‘break-even’ point of your loan. Because your car depreciates sharply in the first few years of ownership, you could end up in a situation where your circumstances change and you can no longer afford to keep your car - but even if you sell it, the car could be worth less than what you owe on it.

Vehicle owners could also be forced into a costly settlement shortfall if their car is stolen or written off.

In addition to these concerns, customers should also consider the increased finance costs of such deals and be mindful of their ability to pay the balloon amount at the end of the term.

 
Suzuki hits all-time record! SA’s new-vehicle sales in August 2025

In August 2025, SA’s new-vehicle market enjoyed its best performance in nearly 6 years, marking 11 consecutive months of year-on-year growth. Here’s your industry overview, including Mzansi’s 10 best-selling automakers…

- New-vehicle sales highest since October 2019
- 11 consecutive months of year-on-year growth
- Passenger-vehicle market soars to 10-year high

In August 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market grew 18.7% year on year – the local industry’s 11th straight month of year-on-year growth – to end on 51 880 units. That’s even loftier than July 2025’s strong effort and stands as the market’s highest monthly sales total since way back in October 2019. Remarkably, it’s also the 2nd consecutive month of sales breaching the 50 000-unit barrier.

Naamsa suggested August’s performance “reaffirmed” that domestic demand continued to “do the heavy lifting for South Africa’s automotive sector even as export channels confront heightened policy headwinds”. On the latter point, new-vehicle exports nevertheless increased 6.2% year on year to 37 500 units, though Naamsa warned this sector of the market would “come under increased pressure in the near term” owing to higher tariff barriers to the United States.

The industry representative body added that 83.3% of August 2025’s total reported domestic figure of 51 880 units represented dealer sales, while an estimated 12.1% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 2.3% to government and 2.3% to industry corporate fleets.

South Africa’s new passenger-vehicle market led the charge yet again, growing 22.5% year on year to a heady 36 914 units (with rental sales accounting for a 15.0% of that figure). For the record, that’s its highest level since September 2015, some 10 years ago. Meanwhile, sales of light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) increased a likewise encouraging 15.1% year on year to 12 326 units.

New-vehicle sales summary for August 2025

- Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 51 880 units increased by 18.7% (8 188 units) compared to August 2024.
- New passenger-vehicle sales of 36 914 units increased by 22.5% (6 786 units) compared to August 2024.
- New light-commercial vehicle sales of 12 326 units increased by 15.1% (1 616 units) compared to August 2024.
- Export sales of 37 500 units increased by 6.2% (2 190 units) compared to August 2024.

10 best-selling automakers in SA in August 2025

1. Toyota – 13 276 units

2. Suzuki – 6 534 units

3. Volkswagen Group – 5 521 units

4. Hyundai – 3 007 units

5. Ford – 2 968 units

6. GWM – 2 519 units

7. Chery – 2 228 units

8. Isuzu – 2 194 units

9. Kia – 1 542 units

10. Renault – 1 374 units

 
Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in South Africa – August 2025

We’ve rounded up the top 10 best-selling car brands in South Africa in August 2025. See the list below.

South Africa’s Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in August 2025

Toyota – 13 276 units (up 1 004)
Suzuki – 6 534 units (up 277)
Volkswagen – 5 521 units (down 217)
Hyundai – 3 007 units (down 154)
Ford – 2 968 units (up 91)
GWM – 2 519 units (up 83)
Chery – 2 228 units (up 68)
Isuzu – 2 194 units (down 233)
Kia – 1 542 units (up 349)
Renault – 1 374 units (up 52)

www.carmag.co.za

Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in South Africa - August 2025

We’ve rounded up the top 10 best-selling car brands in South Africa in August 2025. See the list below...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
Top 10 Best-Selling Passenger Cars in South Africa – August 2025

We’ve rounded up the ten best-selling passenger cars in South Africa in August 2025. Find the list below.

The South African new-car sales market continues to gain momentum as 2025 advances, with naamsa reporting a total number of 51 880 new vehicles were sold, an increase of 497 units over July 2025, in August 2025. Passenger-car sales made up the lion’s share of the market, with the recorded 36 914 units sold accounting for 71.2% of new car sales.

In August 2025, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) maintained its spot at the top of the best-selling car brands in South Africa. The Corolla Cross reclaimed its number one spot, thanks to a healthy 794-unit increase compared to July 2025. This relegated the locally-built Volkswagen Polo Vivo, which placed first in July 2025 but saw a slight decrease in sales in August, to second place. The Suzuki Swift returned to the number three spot, relegating the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro to fourth place, while the Hyundai Grand i10 placed fifth. The Haval Jolion, which placed sixth in July 2025, dropped to eighth, while the Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Vitz placed ninth and tenth, respectively.

SA’s Top 10 Best Selling Passenger Cars in August 2025
Toyota Corolla Cross – 2 743 units (up 794)
Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 314 units (down 95)
Suzuki Swift – 2 101 units (up 229)
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1 339 units (down 265)
Hyundai Grand i10 – 1 270 units (down 122)
Suzuki Fronx – 1 210 units (down 10)
Toyota Starlet – 1 160 units (down 162)
Haval Jolion – 1 123 units (up 21)
Suzuki Ertiga – 1 055 units (up 75)
Toyota Vitz – 885 units (up 132)

www.carmag.co.za

Top 10 Best-Selling Passenger Cars in South Africa - August 2025

We’ve rounded up the top ten best-selling passenger cars in South Africa in August 2025. Here's the list...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
P-Series back in top 5! SA’s best-selling bakkies in August 2025

In August 2025, the Hilux hit its highest total since June 2023, while P-Series sales soared 41%. Here are South Africa’s best- and worst-selling bakkies for last month…

- Hilux registers its highest sales total since June 2023
- P-Series climbs to 5th on the back of 41.0% growth
- Navara (down 15.3% month on month) slips to 8th

In August 2025, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market soared to a new circa-6-year high, growing 18.7% year on year to 51 880 units. The light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, meanwhile, recorded its 5th consecutive month of year-on-year growth, increasing 15.1% to 12 326 units. So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in August?

Well, the Toyota Hilux’s crushing dominance of the segment continued, with the Japanese giant registering a whopping 3 325 units (including 394 sales via the rental channel) of the Prospecton-built bakkie, some 6.6% higher than July 2025’s effort. According to our records, that’s the best showing from the Hilux – which is now available in Legend 55 guise – since June 2023.

10 best-selling bakkies in SA for August 2025

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 325 units

2. Ford Ranger – 2 066 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 778 units

4. Mahindra Pik Up – 675 units

5. GWM P-Series – 557 units

6. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 446 units

7. Volkswagen Amarok – 359 units

8. Nissan Navara – 333 units

9. Foton Tunland G7 – 218 units

10. JAC T-Series – 190 units

 
Suzuki SA Sets New Sales Record in August 2025

Besting its previous new-car sales milestone of January 2025, Suzuki SA has announced it has set a new sales record in August 2025.

Suzuki Auto South Africa has reached a new sales milestone, with the Japanese automaker’s local arm recording its highest number of new-car sales in August 2025. According to naamsa, Suzuki SA sold 6 534 new cars in August 2025 – a figure surpassing the firm’s previous overall sales record of 6 399 units (January 2025) by 135 units.

Suzuki SA’s dealer network was responsible for the sale of 4 823 units, while fleet, rental and government sales accounted for 1 711 units. As a reminder, in the eighth-month of this year, Suzuki SA once again claimed second spot among South Africa’s best-selling car brands.

The fourth-generation Swift, which we’ve evaluated for a road test in March 2025, was Suzuki SA’s best-selling passenger vehicle, with 2 101 units sold. The Fronx and Ertiga trailed behind the carmaker’s pocket-friendly hatchback with 1 210 and 1 055 units sold, respectively – earning both of these models, along with the Swift, a place on the list of SA’s best-selling passenger cars in August 2025. The Swift, Fronx and Ertiga placed third, sixth and ninth, respectively. The Baleno and S-Presso recorded 500 and 433 units sold, respectively, while 326 Jimny units were sold in August 2025.

www.carmag.co.za

Suzuki SA Sets New Sales Record in August 2025

Besting its previous new-car sales milestone of January 2025, Suzuki SA has announced it has set a new sales record in August 2025...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
Top 5 Best-Selling Bakkies in SA – August 2025

We’ve rounded up the five best-selling bakkies in South Africa in August 2025. Here’s the breakdown.

SA’s Top 5 Best-Selling Bakkies in August 2025

Toyota Hilux – 3 325 units (up 205)
Ford Ranger – 2 066 units (down 102)
Isuzu D-Max – 1 778 units (down 224)
Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up – 675 units (down 108)
P-Series – 557 units (up 162)

www.carmag.co.za

Top 5 Best-Selling Bakkies in SA - August 2025 - CAR Magazine

We’ve rounded up the five best-selling bakkies in South Africa in August 2025. Here’s the list and breakdown...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
From humble beginnings to major exporter: how SA's car manufacturing sector evolved over 100 years

Companies that build cars in South Africa have a great deal to celebrate at present, but soon they may not.

Mzansi’s vehicle manufacturing industry turned 100 in 2024, something that was celebrated with much jubilation at the SA Auto Week hosted in October by Naamsa - The Automotive Business Council.

Although the industry currently faces the significant headwinds of deindustrialisation and US tariffs, it is still a great source of pride and employment, with 632,285 vehicles produced locally in 2024, of which 308,380 were exported.

The industry, accounting for 5.1% of the country’s GDP, supports 116,000 jobs on the manufacturing side alone, and close to 400,000 on the retail and repair side.

"The automotive industry is widely regarded as one of the industrial policy success stories of South Africa’s democratic era,” Naamsa says. But it was only after 1994 that it really started to thrive as an export hub.

 
Corolla Cross record! SA’s top-selling passenger cars in August 2025

The locally built Toyota Corolla Cross has just registered its highest sales total yet! Here are South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles for August 2025…

- Highest ever sales total for SA-built Corolla Cross
- 46.5% of Swift’s sales came via the rental channel
- Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Vitz return to the top 10

In August 2025, South Africa’s overall new-vehicle market registered 18.7% year-on-year growth to end on 51 880 units, its best effort in nearly 6 years. The performance of the new passenger-vehicle segment was even more encouraging, with sales in this space increasing 22.5% year on year to 36 914 units – its highest level since September 2015, an entire decade ago.

For the record, the new-vehicle rental industry was responsible for a hefty 15.0% of the passenger-car total in August, translating to a considerable 5 523 units. In the end, Suzuki sold the most passenger vehicles to rental-fleet buyers (1 662 units), closely followed by Toyota (1 603 units).

So, what happened on the list of SA’s best-selling passenger vehicles in August 2025? Well, the Toyota Corolla Cross grabbed back first position, with registrations of the Prospecton-built crossover surging 40.7% month on month to 2 743 units (including 372 sales via the rental channel). According to our records, that’s the highest ever sales total for the Corolla Cross, which launched back in November 2021.

Meanwhile, local registrations of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo slid 3.9% month on month to 2 314 units (including 527 rental sales), which saw the Kariega-made hatchback – which is now available in “15 Edition” guise, celebrating 15 years of production – slip a ranking to 2nd.

SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in August 2025

1. Toyota Corolla Cross – 2 743 units

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 314 units

3. Suzuki Swift – 2 101 units

4. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (excluding LCV) – 1 339 units

5. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 270 units

6. Suzuki Fronx – 1 210 units

7. Toyota Starlet – 1 160 units

8. Haval Jolion – 1 123 units

9. Suzuki Ertiga – 1 055 units

10. Toyota Vitz – 885 units

 
Cross doing very well for its price point. Definately a market for the R 400-500k SUV think next year we see Cherry 7 and Haval 6 in there depending if market sentiment shifts that fast
 

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L-Dog said:
Cross doing very well for its price point. Definately a market for the R 400-500k SUV think next year we see Cherry 7 and Haval 6 in there depending if market sentiment shifts that fast
Click to expand...
Cross is a great all round package from XS spec upwards - good bang for buck (SO drives a prefacelift) and it's a Toyota.

I do think that the new sales record of them has something to do with fleet refreshing within the car rental industry because I didn't see any Toyota dealer deals on Corolla Cross during August which would have
 
FlashSA said:
Cross is a great all round package from XS spec upwards - good bang for buck (SO drives a prefacelift) and it's a Toyota.

I do think that the new sales record of them has something to do with fleet refreshing within the car rental industry because I didn't see any Toyota dealer deals on Corolla Cross during August which would have
Click to expand...

YEah wife has one just wants a slightly bigger car. Also have a company car and If you want to stick to a long standing reputable brand probably won't find better value than the Corolla Cross although 2nd hand value isn't great.
 
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