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The SA Vehicle Industry Thread
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
Supervan II
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6 out of top 10 for Suzuki -
FiestaST
Honorary Master
500 000th Current-Gen VW Polo Produced at Plant Kariega in SA
Volkswagen Group Africa is celebrating a new production milestone, with the German marque’s local arm announcing the 500 000th facelifted current-generation Polo has been built at its Plant Kariega facility in South Africa.
Earlier in October 2025, Volkswagen Group Africa announced the three-millionth car built at Plant Kariega has rolled off the assembly line. Now the German marque’s local arm is celebrating another milestone – production of the 500 000th facelifted current-generation Polo since the introduction of this model in August 2021. Of the half-a-million units, 452 207 were built for export, with the remaining 47 793 produced for local consumption.
Since the Wolfsburg brand started building Polos at Plant Kariega in 1996, a whopping 1 992 464 units of this popular hatchback has been built in South Africa. And since 2024, the Polo hatchback, including its GTI sibling, has been exclusively produced at this facility. In addition, according to the automaker, the Polo was South Africa’s most exported vehicle in 2024.
“The role of the Polo in the Volkswagen Group Africa success story has been a strong one, and the same can be said of its contribution to this country’s automotive exports,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at VWGA. “I am proud to share in this milestone with the colleagues who build, sell and export this high-quality car to the world.”
www.carmag.co.za
Volkswagen Group Africa is celebrating a new production milestone, with the German marque’s local arm announcing the 500 000th facelifted current-generation Polo has been built at its Plant Kariega facility in South Africa.
Earlier in October 2025, Volkswagen Group Africa announced the three-millionth car built at Plant Kariega has rolled off the assembly line. Now the German marque’s local arm is celebrating another milestone – production of the 500 000th facelifted current-generation Polo since the introduction of this model in August 2021. Of the half-a-million units, 452 207 were built for export, with the remaining 47 793 produced for local consumption.
Since the Wolfsburg brand started building Polos at Plant Kariega in 1996, a whopping 1 992 464 units of this popular hatchback has been built in South Africa. And since 2024, the Polo hatchback, including its GTI sibling, has been exclusively produced at this facility. In addition, according to the automaker, the Polo was South Africa’s most exported vehicle in 2024.
“The role of the Polo in the Volkswagen Group Africa success story has been a strong one, and the same can be said of its contribution to this country’s automotive exports,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at VWGA. “I am proud to share in this milestone with the colleagues who build, sell and export this high-quality car to the world.”
500 000th Current-Gen VW Polo Produced at Plant Kariega in SA
Volkswagen Group Africa has announced the 500 000th facelifted current-generation Polo has rolled off its Plant Kariega assembly line...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Volkswagen celebrates production of 500,000th Polo at South Africa's Kariega Plant
With the South African motor manufacturing industry under increasing pressure as a result of the influx of cars from China and India, tariff wars, the change to New Energy Vehicles and steel challenges, to name a few, it’s heartening to see that the Volkswagen plant in Kariega has announced that the 500 000th unit of the Polo has rolled off the assembly line.
The half-millionth facelift Polo, a Kings Red Polo, is bound for the brand’s home country of Germany.
Sole exporter
Plant Kariega has been building Polos since 1996, and the current facelift version since August 2021.
Since July 2024, the plant has also been the sole exporter of the Polo for the Europe and Asia-Pacific markets, exporting it to more than 30 countries in addition to its strong presence in the South African market.
It is also the exclusive manufacturer of the Polo GTI for global consumption.
At the point of achieving this milestone, a total of 452 207 current Polos had been built for export, and the remaining 47 793 vehicles were for South Africa. A total of 1 992 464 Polos have been built in Kariega in the past 29 years.
“The role of the Polo in the Volkswagen Group Africa success story has been a strong one, and the same can be said of its contribution to this country’s automotive exports,” said Ulrich Schwabe, production director at VWGA.
“I am proud to share in this milestone with the colleagues who build, sell and export this high-quality car to the world.”
With the South African motor manufacturing industry under increasing pressure as a result of the influx of cars from China and India, tariff wars, the change to New Energy Vehicles and steel challenges, to name a few, it’s heartening to see that the Volkswagen plant in Kariega has announced that the 500 000th unit of the Polo has rolled off the assembly line.
The half-millionth facelift Polo, a Kings Red Polo, is bound for the brand’s home country of Germany.
Sole exporter
Plant Kariega has been building Polos since 1996, and the current facelift version since August 2021.
Since July 2024, the plant has also been the sole exporter of the Polo for the Europe and Asia-Pacific markets, exporting it to more than 30 countries in addition to its strong presence in the South African market.
It is also the exclusive manufacturer of the Polo GTI for global consumption.
At the point of achieving this milestone, a total of 452 207 current Polos had been built for export, and the remaining 47 793 vehicles were for South Africa. A total of 1 992 464 Polos have been built in Kariega in the past 29 years.
“The role of the Polo in the Volkswagen Group Africa success story has been a strong one, and the same can be said of its contribution to this country’s automotive exports,” said Ulrich Schwabe, production director at VWGA.
“I am proud to share in this milestone with the colleagues who build, sell and export this high-quality car to the world.”
FiestaST
Honorary Master
How 1 in 4 new cars sold in SA now wears a Toyota badge - Automotive News
The Japanese giant just posted record sales that have left competitors wondering what hit them. We've known it for a while, but the Great Toyota Takeover is upon us!
www.autotrader.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New record for Suzuki! SA’s new-vehicle sales in October 2025
In October 2025, SA’s new-vehicle market put in its best performance in over a decade, marking 13 consecutive months of year-on-year growth. Here’s your industry overview, including the top-selling brands…
- Local new-vehicle sales surge to 55 956 units
- Market’s best performance since March 2015
- Suzuki Auto SA breaks sales record yet again
In October 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market hit another 10-year high, with local sales increasing 16.0% year on year to 55 956 units. That’s not only the SA market’s best showing since March 2015 but also the 13th straight instance of month-on-month growth. In addition, October’s sales were 2.3% higher than September 2025’s already strong showing.
According to Naamsa, the local new-vehicle industry’s “upward trajectory” was supported by “easing inflation, a firmer rand [and] continued signs of improving consumer sentiment”. New-vehicle exports from South Africa, meanwhile, increased 0.5% year on year to 32 659 units in October 2025.
1. Toyota – 13 559 units
2. Suzuki – 6 890 units
3. Volkswagen Group – 6 221 units
4. Hyundai – 3 017 units
5. Ford – 2 946 units
6. GWM – 2 805 units
7. Isuzu – 2 784 units
8. Chery – 2 210 units
9. Kia – 1 808 units
10. Mahindra – 1 551 units
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
South Africa’s new vehicle sales continue to soar in October
These were the top-selling brands as improved consumer sentiment drives a 16% year-on-year surge
www.timeslive.co.za
TheChamp
Honorary Master
The fall of Ford is a fascinating thing to watch, and they will blame the Chinese for their incompetence.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in SA – October 2025
We’ve rounded up the top 10-best-selling car brands in South Africa in October 2025. See the list below.
Toyota once again topped the sales charts, with the Japanese automaker’s South African arm registering 13 559 new cars sold in October 2025 – a decrease of 587 units over the firm’s September 2025 sales figure (13 276). Suzuki remained in second position, registering 6 890 units sold. Compared to the latter brand’s September figure, it sold 818 more vehicles in October. Third place went to Volkswagen once more, with the firm recording a 458-unit increase in sales compared to September 2025 for an overall figure of 6 221 units sold.
While the top three brands retained their positions, Hyundai reclaimed fourth place from Ford, which now holds fifth place. GWM placed sixth. Isuzu managed to retain seventh spot, placing Chery in eighth, followed by Kia. Mahindra remained in the top 10 list, with Renault just missing out on making the top 10.
South Africa’s Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in October 2025
Toyota – 13 559 units (down 587)
Suzuki – 6 890 units (up 818)
Volkswagen – 6 221 units (up 458)
Hyundai – 3 017 units (up 12)
Ford – 2 946 units (down 147)
GWM – 2 805 units (up 185)
Isuzu – 2 784 units (up 306)
Chery – 2 210 units (down 54)
Kia – 1 808 units (up 102)
Mahindra – 1 551 units (up 27)
www.carmag.co.za
We’ve rounded up the top 10-best-selling car brands in South Africa in October 2025. See the list below.
Toyota once again topped the sales charts, with the Japanese automaker’s South African arm registering 13 559 new cars sold in October 2025 – a decrease of 587 units over the firm’s September 2025 sales figure (13 276). Suzuki remained in second position, registering 6 890 units sold. Compared to the latter brand’s September figure, it sold 818 more vehicles in October. Third place went to Volkswagen once more, with the firm recording a 458-unit increase in sales compared to September 2025 for an overall figure of 6 221 units sold.
While the top three brands retained their positions, Hyundai reclaimed fourth place from Ford, which now holds fifth place. GWM placed sixth. Isuzu managed to retain seventh spot, placing Chery in eighth, followed by Kia. Mahindra remained in the top 10 list, with Renault just missing out on making the top 10.
South Africa’s Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in October 2025
Toyota – 13 559 units (down 587)
Suzuki – 6 890 units (up 818)
Volkswagen – 6 221 units (up 458)
Hyundai – 3 017 units (up 12)
Ford – 2 946 units (down 147)
GWM – 2 805 units (up 185)
Isuzu – 2 784 units (up 306)
Chery – 2 210 units (down 54)
Kia – 1 808 units (up 102)
Mahindra – 1 551 units (up 27)
Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in SA – October 2025
We've rounded up the top 10-best-selling car brands in South Africa in October 2025. See the full list below...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
D-Max grabs 2nd! SA’s best-selling bakkies in October 2025
In October 2025, the Isuzu D-Max clinched 2nd place on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies, while the VW Amarok cracked the top 5…
- D-Max pushes ahead of Ranger in October
- Amarok cracks top 5 with best effort yet
- Navara climbs 2 rankings to 6th position
In October 2025, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market hit its highest point in over a decade, with local sales growing 16.0% year on year to 55 956 units. The light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment put in its 7th consecutive month of year-on-year growth, climbing 23.9% year on year to 13 361 units. But what happened on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Well, with the global reveal of the 9th-gen version just days away, the outgoing Toyota Hilux retained its place as Mzansi’s top-selling bakkie in October 2025, with 3 553 units (including 208 sales to government and 226 sales to the rental industry) registered. Though that’s 2.3% down on September 2025’s effort, it’s the 2nd time this year the Prospecton-built stalwart has breached the 3 500-unit mark.
The big news, however, was the fact the Isuzu D-Max grabbed 2nd place in October. That’s the 2nd time this year (after March 2025) the Struandale-built contender – which is still awaiting its facelift and the possible introduction of a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine – has seized the runner-up position.
In the end, Isuzu registered 2 292 units (up 11.6% month on month and its best showing of the year thus far) of the D-Max last month, including 365 sales to government. That meant the Ford Ranger had to settle for 3rd spot in October 2025, with local sales of the Silverton-built bakkie slipping 10.4% month on month to 2 035 units.
10 best-selling bakkies in SA for October 2025
1. Toyota Hilux – 3 553 units
2. Isuzu D-Max – 2 292 units
3. Ford Ranger – 2 035 units
4. Mahindra Pik Up – 761 units
5. Volkswagen Amarok – 481 units
6. Nissan Navara – 462 units
7. GWM P-Series – 441 units
8. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 414 units
9. Foton Tunland G7 – 225 units
10. GWM Steed – 198 units
In October 2025, the Isuzu D-Max clinched 2nd place on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies, while the VW Amarok cracked the top 5…
- D-Max pushes ahead of Ranger in October
- Amarok cracks top 5 with best effort yet
- Navara climbs 2 rankings to 6th position
In October 2025, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market hit its highest point in over a decade, with local sales growing 16.0% year on year to 55 956 units. The light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment put in its 7th consecutive month of year-on-year growth, climbing 23.9% year on year to 13 361 units. But what happened on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Well, with the global reveal of the 9th-gen version just days away, the outgoing Toyota Hilux retained its place as Mzansi’s top-selling bakkie in October 2025, with 3 553 units (including 208 sales to government and 226 sales to the rental industry) registered. Though that’s 2.3% down on September 2025’s effort, it’s the 2nd time this year the Prospecton-built stalwart has breached the 3 500-unit mark.
The big news, however, was the fact the Isuzu D-Max grabbed 2nd place in October. That’s the 2nd time this year (after March 2025) the Struandale-built contender – which is still awaiting its facelift and the possible introduction of a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine – has seized the runner-up position.
In the end, Isuzu registered 2 292 units (up 11.6% month on month and its best showing of the year thus far) of the D-Max last month, including 365 sales to government. That meant the Ford Ranger had to settle for 3rd spot in October 2025, with local sales of the Silverton-built bakkie slipping 10.4% month on month to 2 035 units.
10 best-selling bakkies in SA for October 2025
1. Toyota Hilux – 3 553 units
2. Isuzu D-Max – 2 292 units
3. Ford Ranger – 2 035 units
4. Mahindra Pik Up – 761 units
5. Volkswagen Amarok – 481 units
6. Nissan Navara – 462 units
7. GWM P-Series – 441 units
8. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 414 units
9. Foton Tunland G7 – 225 units
10. GWM Steed – 198 units
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Record-breaking! SA vehicle sales soar by 16% as market confidence makes a stunning comeback
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued its strong upward momentum in October 2025, recording its best monthly performance in a decade.
According to the Automotive Business Council (NAAMSA), total new vehicle sales reached 55,956 units - the highest figure since March 2015 and 16% higher than October last year.
Passenger car sales rose to 39,610 units, the strongest performance since 2014, while light commercial vehicles surged by 23,9% to 13,361 units. Medium trucks gained 9,3%, although the heavy commercial segment was marginally down by 1%.
It’s the third consecutive month that sales have topped 50,000 units, signalling growing stability and confidence as the industry pushes toward the half-a-million annual sales mark last seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Easing inflation
The October surge was supported by a more stable economy. Headline inflation held steady at 3.4%, the rand traded around R17.30 to the dollar, and fuel prices eased - improving affordability and consumer confidence.
“The combination of easing inflation, a firmer rand and less pressure at the petrol pump has made vehicle ownership feel attainable again,” said Lebo Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank.
“The industry’s performance this year shows how improving sentiment and a more confident economy are translating directly into mobility decisions.”
Although the Reserve Bank has kept the repo rate at 7.0%, markets are already anticipating rate cuts in early 2026, which could further boost vehicle affordability and borrowing appetite.
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued its strong upward momentum in October 2025, recording its best monthly performance in a decade.
According to the Automotive Business Council (NAAMSA), total new vehicle sales reached 55,956 units - the highest figure since March 2015 and 16% higher than October last year.
Passenger car sales rose to 39,610 units, the strongest performance since 2014, while light commercial vehicles surged by 23,9% to 13,361 units. Medium trucks gained 9,3%, although the heavy commercial segment was marginally down by 1%.
It’s the third consecutive month that sales have topped 50,000 units, signalling growing stability and confidence as the industry pushes toward the half-a-million annual sales mark last seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Easing inflation
The October surge was supported by a more stable economy. Headline inflation held steady at 3.4%, the rand traded around R17.30 to the dollar, and fuel prices eased - improving affordability and consumer confidence.
“The combination of easing inflation, a firmer rand and less pressure at the petrol pump has made vehicle ownership feel attainable again,” said Lebo Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank.
“The industry’s performance this year shows how improving sentiment and a more confident economy are translating directly into mobility decisions.”
Although the Reserve Bank has kept the repo rate at 7.0%, markets are already anticipating rate cuts in early 2026, which could further boost vehicle affordability and borrowing appetite.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Polo Vivo hits 12-month high! SA’s passenger-car sales in October 2025
In October 2025, the VW Polo Vivo registered its best sales in 12 months, while the Haval Jolion climbed to 6th. Here are South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles…
- SA-built Polo Vivo’s best effort since November 2024
- Haval Jolion improves 16.7% to climb to 6th position
- Kia Sonet returns to the top 10 with 19.4% increase
In October 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market surged to a 10-year high, with local sales growing 16.0% year on year to 55 956 units. This overall performance was mirrored in the local new passenger-vehicle market, which gained 14.8% year on year to reach 39 610 units – its highest monthly tally since October 2014.
For the record, the new-vehicle rental channel accounted for a considerable 21.7% – or 8 605 units – of that passenger-car total, which industry representative body Naamsa attributed to the approach of South Africa’s “peak travel season”.
So, what happened on the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles in October 2025? Well, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained 1st position, with local sales increasing 8.4% month on month to 2 678 units (including 770 units via the rental channel). According to our records, that’s the Kariega-built hatchback’s best performance since November 2024.
The Suzuki Swift was again the highest-ranked imported model, retaining 2nd position by growing its sales 4.9% month on month to 2 377 units (the nameplate’s 2nd-best effort of the year, after January 2025‘s performance). A whopping 1 140 units – or some 48.0% of the Indian-built hatchback’s total – came courtesy of rental-fleet buyers, helping drive the Suzuki brand to a record total of 6 890 units.
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in October 2025
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 678 units
2. Suzuki Swift – 2 377 units
3. Chery Tiggo 4 (including Cross) – 1 725 units
4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 615 units
5. Toyota Starlet – 1 613 units
6. Haval Jolion – 1 418 units
7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 369 units
8. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 1 360 units
9. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 296 units
10. Kia Sonet – 1 221 units
In October 2025, the VW Polo Vivo registered its best sales in 12 months, while the Haval Jolion climbed to 6th. Here are South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles…
- SA-built Polo Vivo’s best effort since November 2024
- Haval Jolion improves 16.7% to climb to 6th position
- Kia Sonet returns to the top 10 with 19.4% increase
In October 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market surged to a 10-year high, with local sales growing 16.0% year on year to 55 956 units. This overall performance was mirrored in the local new passenger-vehicle market, which gained 14.8% year on year to reach 39 610 units – its highest monthly tally since October 2014.
For the record, the new-vehicle rental channel accounted for a considerable 21.7% – or 8 605 units – of that passenger-car total, which industry representative body Naamsa attributed to the approach of South Africa’s “peak travel season”.
So, what happened on the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles in October 2025? Well, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained 1st position, with local sales increasing 8.4% month on month to 2 678 units (including 770 units via the rental channel). According to our records, that’s the Kariega-built hatchback’s best performance since November 2024.
The Suzuki Swift was again the highest-ranked imported model, retaining 2nd position by growing its sales 4.9% month on month to 2 377 units (the nameplate’s 2nd-best effort of the year, after January 2025‘s performance). A whopping 1 140 units – or some 48.0% of the Indian-built hatchback’s total – came courtesy of rental-fleet buyers, helping drive the Suzuki brand to a record total of 6 890 units.
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in October 2025
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 678 units
2. Suzuki Swift – 2 377 units
3. Chery Tiggo 4 (including Cross) – 1 725 units
4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 615 units
5. Toyota Starlet – 1 613 units
6. Haval Jolion – 1 418 units
7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 369 units
8. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 1 360 units
9. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 296 units
10. Kia Sonet – 1 221 units