The SA Vehicle Industry Thread

Pik Up cracks 4 figures! SA’s best-selling bakkies in February 2026

In February 2026, the locally assembled Mahindra Pik Up breached the 4-figure sales mark. Here are South Africa’s best- and worst-selling bakkies…

- Hilux pushes past 3 000-unit mark in February
- Pik Up cracks 4 figures to retain 4th position
- GWM’s P-Series clambers back into the top 5

In February 2026, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market grew 11.4% year on year to 53 455 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment registering its 11th straight month of year-on-year growth, improving 11.9% to 13 218 units. But what happened on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?

Well, after dipping below the 3 000-unit mark in both 2025’s final month and 2026’s opening month, the Toyota Hilux broke back through this barrier in February 2026. Local registrations of the Prospecton-built stalwart – which is due to move into its 9th generation later this year – increased an appreciable 35.8% month on month to 3 362 units.

Meanwhile, the Silverton-produced Ford Ranger retained the runner-up position in February 2026, registering a marginal month-on-month improvement of 1.0% to end on 2 091 units. That was just enough to keep the Blue Oval bakkie ahead of the Struandale-made Isuzu D-Max, which enjoyed a 46.6% month-on-month surge (admittedly off a relatively low base) to reach 1 951 units.

So, the podium positions were unchanged compared to January 2026, with the Mahindra Pik Up likewise retaining 4th place last month. That said, February 2026’s performance of 1 003 units was one of the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Pik Up’s strongest efforts yet, representing a 33.2% month-on-month increase. According to our records, this is only the 2nd time (after March 2025) the Indian brand’s bakkie has cracked 4 figures in a single month.

SA’s 10 best-selling bakkies in February 2026

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 362 units

2. Ford Ranger – 2 091 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 951 units

4. Mahindra Pik Up – 1 003 units

5. GWM P-Series – 559 units

6. Volkswagen Amarok – 401 units

7. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 381 units

8. Nissan Navara – 376 units

9. JAC T-Series – 246 units

10. Foton Tunland – 182 units

 
Top 5 vehicle exporters in SA – February 2026

We’ve compiled a list of the top five vehicle exporters in South Africa in February 2026. See the list below.

According to naamsa, a total number of 24 221 new vehicles were exported from South Africa in February 2026 – this figure representing a 9 463-unit decrease compared to the 33 684 units exported in February 2025. Additionally, the second month of 2026 saw a decrease of 347 units exported compared to the 24 568 units exported in January 2026.

In February 2026, Volkswagen Group Africa came out on top as South Africa’s largest exporter of new vehicles, with naamsa reporting 8 777 units were exported from the firm’s Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape, where the Polo and Polo GTI are exclusively produced for local and overseas markets. The BMW Group placed second, posting 5 600 units exported from the Bavarian marque’s Plant Rosslyn, near Pretoria, where the new BMW X3 has been manufactured since October 2024.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s exports increased by 1 200 units in February 2026 compared to January 2026. Toyota SA, which continued to top the list of best-selling car brands in SA in February 2026, placed fourth, with the Japanese automaker’s local arm registering 1 844 units exported. Ford Motor Company was the fifth-largest vehicle exporter in February 2026.

Top 5 vehicle exporters in SA in February 2026

1) Volkswagen Group Africa – 8 777
2) BMW Group – 5 600
3) Mercedes-Benz SA – 5 000
4) Toyota SA – 1 844
5) Ford Motor Company – 1 762

 
Vehicle sales hit 13-year high, but exports sink: These were the top carmakers in February 2026

South Africa’s motor industry continued on its robust growth path in February, with 53,455 new vehicles sold.

According to Naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, last month saw the strongest February performance since 2013, and sales were also 11.4% ahead of the same month last year.

The dealer channels accounted for 85% of sales in February, followed by the rental industry (9.6%), government (3.0%) and corporate fleets (2.4%).

The growth was evenly spread through the segments, with passenger car sales, at 33,750, seeing year-on-year growth of 11.3% while light commercial sales, at 13,218, grew by 11.9%. Medium commercial vehicle sales remained flat at 720 units, while the heavies saw a 13.6% increase to 1,941 units.

Exports plunge

However, new vehicle exports saw a worrying decline, with February’s total of 24,221 units representing a decrease of 28.1% versus the same month last year.

“The industry’s export performance remains subject to heightened protectionism across several of South Africa’s key export markets, while increasingly stringent decarbonisation requirements in destination markets continue to weigh on the competitiveness of South African vehicle exports,” Naamsa said.

Top Manufacturers: February 2026

On the manufacturer sales charts, the top three all posted moderate growth, with Toyota sales increasing by 1.3%, Suzuki by 2.4%, and Volkswagen by 1.6%. Further down the field, Isuzu jumped to seventh place, from 10th in January, with a sales growth of 29%.

Toyota - 11,941
Suzuki Auto - 6,562
Volkswagen - 4,850
Hyundai - 3,104
Ford - 2,920
GWM SA - 2,614
Isuzu - 2,073
Chery - 2,312
Mahindra - 1,996
Kia - 1,746
Jetour - 1,673
Renault - 1,424
Omoda & Jaecoo - 1,297
BMW Group - 1,237
Nissan - 1,204
Stellantis - 667
MG - 643
Mercedes - 459
Foton - 401
JAC - 289

 
Swift goes big! SA’s best-selling passenger cars in February 2026

The Suzuki Swift took the title of SA’s best-selling passenger vehicle in February 2026, while the SA-built Toyota Corolla Cross returned to the top 10. Here are all the details…

- Swift posts highest figure since January 2025
- Grand i10 (ex LCV sales) returns to 4th place
- Corolla Cross clambers back into the top 10

In February 2026, sales in South Africa’s new vehicle-market grew 11.4% year on year to 53 455 units. The local new passenger-vehicle segment’s performance was broadly in line with the industry’s overall growth, improving 11.3% year on year to 37 576 units. But which passenger cars were most popular with local buyers last month?

Before we dive into the figures, we should point out the rental channel accounted for 11.5% of South Africa’s total passenger-vehicle sales in the 2nd month of 2026. For the record, that translates to some 5 109 units.

Swift grabs top spot from SA-built Polo Vivo

In February 2026, the Suzuki Swift climbed a ranking to become Mzansi’s best-selling passenger vehicle, a title it last held back in May 2025. In the end, local sales of the Indian-built budget hatchback grew 23.6% month on month to 2 508 units – its highest tally since January 2025. The Swift again relied heavily on the rental division, with this segment accounting for 1 203 units or a considerable 48% of its total.

As such, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2 004 units, excluding 22 sales of the Xpress variant in the LCV segment) slipped a place to 2nd in February, with local registrations of the Kariega-built hatchback dipping 2.7% compared to January 2026. Interestingly, 76.0% of the Vivo’s sales came via the dealer channel, with only 6.5% and 5.8% sold to government and the rental industry, respectively. That said, VW Group Africa reported 233 units as “single” registrations (or vehicles the automaker kept and licensed for its own use).

SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in February 2026

1. Suzuki Swift – 2 508 units

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 004 units

3. Chery Tiggo 4 (including Cross) – 1 809 units

4. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 311 units

5. Toyota Starlet – 1 241 units

6. Toyota Vitz – 1 199 units

7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 152 units

8. Haval Jolion – 1 108 units

9. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 022 units

10. Toyota Starlet Cross – 907 units

 
FiestaST said:
Swift goes big! SA’s best-selling passenger cars in February 2026

The Suzuki Swift took the title of SA’s best-selling passenger vehicle in February 2026, while the SA-built Toyota Corolla Cross returned to the top 10. Here are all the details…

- Swift posts highest figure since January 2025
- Grand i10 (ex LCV sales) returns to 4th place
- Corolla Cross clambers back into the top 10

In February 2026, sales in South Africa’s new vehicle-market grew 11.4% year on year to 53 455 units. The local new passenger-vehicle segment’s performance was broadly in line with the industry’s overall growth, improving 11.3% year on year to 37 576 units. But which passenger cars were most popular with local buyers last month?

Before we dive into the figures, we should point out the rental channel accounted for 11.5% of South Africa’s total passenger-vehicle sales in the 2nd month of 2026. For the record, that translates to some 5 109 units.

Swift grabs top spot from SA-built Polo Vivo

In February 2026, the Suzuki Swift climbed a ranking to become Mzansi’s best-selling passenger vehicle, a title it last held back in May 2025. In the end, local sales of the Indian-built budget hatchback grew 23.6% month on month to 2 508 units – its highest tally since January 2025. The Swift again relied heavily on the rental division, with this segment accounting for 1 203 units or a considerable 48% of its total.

As such, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2 004 units, excluding 22 sales of the Xpress variant in the LCV segment) slipped a place to 2nd in February, with local registrations of the Kariega-built hatchback dipping 2.7% compared to January 2026. Interestingly, 76.0% of the Vivo’s sales came via the dealer channel, with only 6.5% and 5.8% sold to government and the rental industry, respectively. That said, VW Group Africa reported 233 units as “single” registrations (or vehicles the automaker kept and licensed for its own use).

SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in February 2026

1. Suzuki Swift – 2 508 units

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 004 units

3. Chery Tiggo 4 (including Cross) – 1 809 units

4. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 311 units

5. Toyota Starlet – 1 241 units

6. Toyota Vitz – 1 199 units

7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 152 units

8. Haval Jolion – 1 108 units

9. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 022 units

10. Toyota Starlet Cross – 907 units

Click to expand...
I had one as a 24hr rental last month during a quick business trip. It was an auto and brand new with 24km on the clock.

Such an impressive package for the price and wireless Android Auto worked just as well as in my Ranger.

If I needed to downgrade SO's Corolla Cross, the Swift would be a no brainer.
 
Toyota retains lead as SA’s best-selling automaker in February 2026

Registering 12 272 new cars sold in February 2026, Toyota South Africa secured a 23% market share in the second month of the new year – retaining its lead as SA’s best-selling automaker.

Retaining its lead as the best-selling car brand in SA, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) posted a strong monthly sales figure in February 2026. The Japanese automaker’s local arm recorded 12 272 new vehicles sold, an increase of 486 units compared to January 2026, in the second month of the new year. This translated to an overall market share of 23%.

In the passenger-car segment, TSAM recorded a 19.6% market share, with 7 366 new Toyota passenger cars leaving showroom floors in February 2026. The firm’s best-sellers included the Corolla Cross (1 022 units), Urban Cruiser (723 units), Fortuner (689 units) and Land Cruiser Prado (508 units). These models contributed to growth in a market where total passenger car sales increased by 11.3% year-on-year, to 37 576 units sold. Toyota’s Lexus luxury arm delivered 125 new cars in February, with the NX, GX and LX registering 42, 29 and 25 units sold, respectively. Nine units of the recently launched RZ all-electric crossover/SUV were sold in February 2026.

 
Just remember who started shouting BUBBLE first in this thread. The storm is unfortunately coming......

BUBBLE.png
 
Foton's Gqeberha plant: pioneering a new era in South Africa's automotive manufacturing

Foton has started Completely Knocked Down (CKD) vehicle production at its manufacturing facility in Gqeberha.

This move marks the company’s first vehicle production operation outside of its home market and positions South Africa as part of its global manufacturing and export network.

“The launch of CKD production at our Gqeberha facility represents a major milestone for Foton globally and for South Africa’s automotive industry,” said Marius Smal, CEO of Foton South Africa.

Production capacity

Construction of the Gqeberha facility began in 2016, with the plant now operational with an annual production capacity of around 50,000 vehicles.

Production includes a mix of passenger and commercial models, ranging from SUVs to bakkies from the Foton Tunland line-up, as well as commercial trucks.

The facility is designed to scale production over time as demand increases in both domestic and export markets.

It will supply vehicles to the local market while also supporting exports into Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

SA’s automotive industry

The project aligns with South Africa’s Automotive Industry Development Plan 2035, which aims to expand local vehicle production and increase localisation across the sector.

It also forms part of a broader international investment linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The establishment of the plant adds to the Eastern Cape’s role as a manufacturing hub, alongside existing automotive operations in the region.

 
Stellantis SA plant ‘not cancelled’

Stellantis South Africa has placed its planned Eastern Cape assembly plant on hold as it reassesses the project’s viability and considers the addition of further models to the production line.

In 2023, Stellantis signed a memorandum of understanding with the State-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; entering into a joint venture with the IDC to build a manufacturing facility in the Eastern Cape, which was estimated to cost R3 billion at the time. The Coega manufacturing plant was originally expected to begin assembling a one-tonne bakkie in 2026 for local and export markets, including other African countries and the Middle East.

Now, speaking to local publication Engineering News, Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Stellantis, says the brand is considering using the plant to produce two additional models, which will be built alongside the pickup. One of the vehicles currently under consideration is a new-energy vehicle (NEV). However, it is unclear at this point whether the latter will be hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric. Whitfield did mention that Stellantis is awaiting the government’s policy review on NEVs. Future plans for Stellantis’ SA plant, including the specific models set to be produced, have yet to be finalised and announced.

While the construction of the plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone has not been stopped or cancelled, as Whitfield told Engineering News, construction has not progressed beyond the initial earthworks that were completed in 2024.

www.carmag.co.za

Stellantis SA plant 'not cancelled'

Stellantis SA has put its planned Eastern Cape plant on hold as it reassesses viability and considers adding new models to plans...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
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