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The SA Vehicle Industry Thread
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
Outgoing Hilux holds off Ranger! SA’s best-selling bakkies in May 2026
In May 2026, the outgoing Toyota Hilux retained first place on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies, while the Peugeot Landtrek snuck into the top 10. All the details here…
- Hilux keeps 1st place but Ranger closes gap
- P-Series retains 4th position ahead of Pik Up
- Landtrek cracks top 10 at Tunland’s expense
- BYD Shark 6 reaches 136 units in May 2026
- LDV finally reports sales for T60 & Terron 9
In May 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 12.8% year on year to 51 071 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment registering its 15th straight month of year-on-year growth, improving 2.5% to 11 251 units. So, what changed on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Well, with the 9th-generation model set to hit the local market in the coming weeks, the outgoing version of the Toyota Hilux retained first place, even though local registrations dipped 15.8% compared to April 2026. In the end, the Prospecton-built stalwart managed 2 488 units in May.
Bakkie sales in South Africa for May 2026
1. Toyota Hilux – 2 488 units
2. Ford Ranger – 2 073 units
3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 009 units
4. GWM P-Series – 689 units
5. Mahindra Pik Up – 632 units
6. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 466 units
7. Volkswagen Amarok – 417 units
8. Nissan Navara – 288 units
9. JAC T-Series – 261 units
10. Peugeot Landtrek – 230 units
11. Foton Tunland – 174 units
12. BYD Shark 6 – 136 units
13. LDV T60 – 99 units
14. Mahindra Bolero – 75 units
15. Mitsubishi Triton – 43 units
16. Kia Tasman – 39 units
17. Changan Hunter – 36 units
18. LDV Terron 9 – 15 units
19. GWM Steed – 3 units
20. Jeep Gladiator – 1 unit
In May 2026, the outgoing Toyota Hilux retained first place on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies, while the Peugeot Landtrek snuck into the top 10. All the details here…
- Hilux keeps 1st place but Ranger closes gap
- P-Series retains 4th position ahead of Pik Up
- Landtrek cracks top 10 at Tunland’s expense
- BYD Shark 6 reaches 136 units in May 2026
- LDV finally reports sales for T60 & Terron 9
In May 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 12.8% year on year to 51 071 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment registering its 15th straight month of year-on-year growth, improving 2.5% to 11 251 units. So, what changed on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Well, with the 9th-generation model set to hit the local market in the coming weeks, the outgoing version of the Toyota Hilux retained first place, even though local registrations dipped 15.8% compared to April 2026. In the end, the Prospecton-built stalwart managed 2 488 units in May.
Bakkie sales in South Africa for May 2026
1. Toyota Hilux – 2 488 units
2. Ford Ranger – 2 073 units
3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 009 units
4. GWM P-Series – 689 units
5. Mahindra Pik Up – 632 units
6. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 466 units
7. Volkswagen Amarok – 417 units
8. Nissan Navara – 288 units
9. JAC T-Series – 261 units
10. Peugeot Landtrek – 230 units
11. Foton Tunland – 174 units
12. BYD Shark 6 – 136 units
13. LDV T60 – 99 units
14. Mahindra Bolero – 75 units
15. Mitsubishi Triton – 43 units
16. Kia Tasman – 39 units
17. Changan Hunter – 36 units
18. LDV Terron 9 – 15 units
19. GWM Steed – 3 units
20. Jeep Gladiator – 1 unit
FiestaST
Honorary Master
South Africa’s new vehicle sales hit highest May level since 2013 despite rate and fuel pressures
South Africa’s new vehicle market maintained its upward momentum in May 2026, recording its strongest monthly sales performance since 2013.
According to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, aggregate new vehicle sales increased by 12.8% year-on-year to 51,071 units. The result extended the market’s run of consecutive monthly growth and kept year-to-date sales firmly in positive territory.
WesBank Senior Economist Thanda Sithole said the performance was encouraging, with growth driven primarily by the passenger vehicle segment while commercial vehicle sales also remained positive.
Passenger car sales rose 16.3% to 36,871 units. Dealer sales accounted for 90.1% of total volumes, while the vehicle rental industry contributed 5.3%, indicating demand across multiple sales channels.
Light commercial vehicle sales increased by 2.5% to 11,251 units. Medium commercial vehicle sales climbed 13.6% to 718 units, while heavy trucks and buses recorded growth of 12.9% to 2,231 units, reflecting continued activity in the freight and logistics sectors.
WesBank’s financing data also pointed to stronger consumer confidence. Finance applications exceeded levels recorded during the same period last year, particularly for new vehicles. Average deal sizes for both new and used vehicles also increased, suggesting consumers were financing higher-value vehicles.
Despite the positive sales momentum, Sithole warned that affordability pressures are likely to remain a key consideration for households and businesses.
The South African Reserve Bank increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.00% at its May meeting, pushing the prime lending rate to 10.50%.
Sithole said higher monthly repayments could affect affordability, particularly for first-time buyers and smaller business operators, and encouraged consumers to fully understand the impact of interest rate changes before entering into finance agreements.
South Africa’s new vehicle market maintained its upward momentum in May 2026, recording its strongest monthly sales performance since 2013.
According to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, aggregate new vehicle sales increased by 12.8% year-on-year to 51,071 units. The result extended the market’s run of consecutive monthly growth and kept year-to-date sales firmly in positive territory.
WesBank Senior Economist Thanda Sithole said the performance was encouraging, with growth driven primarily by the passenger vehicle segment while commercial vehicle sales also remained positive.
Passenger car sales rose 16.3% to 36,871 units. Dealer sales accounted for 90.1% of total volumes, while the vehicle rental industry contributed 5.3%, indicating demand across multiple sales channels.
Light commercial vehicle sales increased by 2.5% to 11,251 units. Medium commercial vehicle sales climbed 13.6% to 718 units, while heavy trucks and buses recorded growth of 12.9% to 2,231 units, reflecting continued activity in the freight and logistics sectors.
WesBank’s financing data also pointed to stronger consumer confidence. Finance applications exceeded levels recorded during the same period last year, particularly for new vehicles. Average deal sizes for both new and used vehicles also increased, suggesting consumers were financing higher-value vehicles.
Despite the positive sales momentum, Sithole warned that affordability pressures are likely to remain a key consideration for households and businesses.
The South African Reserve Bank increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.00% at its May meeting, pushing the prime lending rate to 10.50%.
Sithole said higher monthly repayments could affect affordability, particularly for first-time buyers and smaller business operators, and encouraged consumers to fully understand the impact of interest rate changes before entering into finance agreements.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ: early SA sales figures revealed
How many units of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ were registered in SA during this new SUV’s launch month? We have the answer, plus RAV4 and bZ4X sales for May 2026…
- Land Cruiser FJ straight into 3 figures
- Best RAV4 sales since October 2025
- New bZ4X hits 33 units (10 via dealers)
The new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ – priced from R714 000 and offered exclusively (for now, anyway) with a long-in-the-tooth naturally aspirated 2.7-litre petrol engine – officially hit dealers around South Africa on 18 May 2026. So, how many units were registered over the remainder of this ladder-frame SUV’s launch month?
Well, according to figures reported to Naamsa, Toyota SA Motors registered 127 units of its new FJ-badged Land Cruiser in May 2026. As many as 116 of these were sold via the dealer channel, with the remaining 11 reported as so-called “single” registrations (vehicles the brand kept and licensed for its own use).
That means the new Land Cruiser FJ effectively outsold the larger (admittedly more expensive) Land Cruiser 300, which ended the month on 103 units. The J250-series Prado, however, was the most popular Land Cruiser SUV in May 2026, with as many as 323 examples sold.
The Japanese brand’s local division also registered 3 units of the Land Cruiser 76 wagon, along with 466 units of the likewise seemingly evengreen Land Cruiser 79, seeing the latter rank 6th on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for May 2026.
How many units of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ were registered in SA during this new SUV’s launch month? We have the answer, plus RAV4 and bZ4X sales for May 2026…
- Land Cruiser FJ straight into 3 figures
- Best RAV4 sales since October 2025
- New bZ4X hits 33 units (10 via dealers)
The new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ – priced from R714 000 and offered exclusively (for now, anyway) with a long-in-the-tooth naturally aspirated 2.7-litre petrol engine – officially hit dealers around South Africa on 18 May 2026. So, how many units were registered over the remainder of this ladder-frame SUV’s launch month?
Well, according to figures reported to Naamsa, Toyota SA Motors registered 127 units of its new FJ-badged Land Cruiser in May 2026. As many as 116 of these were sold via the dealer channel, with the remaining 11 reported as so-called “single” registrations (vehicles the brand kept and licensed for its own use).
That means the new Land Cruiser FJ effectively outsold the larger (admittedly more expensive) Land Cruiser 300, which ended the month on 103 units. The J250-series Prado, however, was the most popular Land Cruiser SUV in May 2026, with as many as 323 examples sold.
The Japanese brand’s local division also registered 3 units of the Land Cruiser 76 wagon, along with 466 units of the likewise seemingly evengreen Land Cruiser 79, seeing the latter rank 6th on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for May 2026.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Grand i10 on the podium! SA’s best-selling passenger cars in May 2026
The Hyundai Grand i10 grabbed 3rd place on the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles in May 2026, while 2 Toyota models returned to the top 10…
- Polo Vivo reclaims passenger-car title in May
- Grand i10 posts highest sales yet to take 3rd
- Starlet and Urban Cruiser back in the top 10
In May 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle sales increased 12.8% year on year to 51 071 units, with the local passenger-vehicle segment registering even stronger growth, gaining 16.3% year on year to reach 36 871 units. But which passenger vehicles were most popular with local buyers last month?
Before we examine the figures, it’s worth pointing out the rental channel accounted for 6.0% of total passenger-vehicle sales in May, meaning 2 203 cars were sold to rental companies. A further 463 units were purchased by government, while a whopping 1 030 units were reported as “single” registrations (vehicles the respective brands kept for their own use).
Polo Vivo reclaims passenger-car crown
After having to settle for 2nd place in April 2026, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo returned to the top spot in May, with sales of this Kariega-built hatchback increasing 26.4% month on month to 2 335 units – its best effort of 2026 thus far. Note this figure excludes 29 units of the Xpress panel-van derivative that were registered in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space.
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in May 2026
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo (excluding LCV) – 2 335 units
2. Chery Tiggo 4 (including Cross) – 2 059 units
3. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 796 units
4. Suzuki Swift – 1 588 units
5. Haval Jolion – 1 345 units
6. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 210 units
7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 177 units
8. Jetour T2 – 1 090 units
9. Toyota Starlet – 992 units
10. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 944 units
The Hyundai Grand i10 grabbed 3rd place on the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles in May 2026, while 2 Toyota models returned to the top 10…
- Polo Vivo reclaims passenger-car title in May
- Grand i10 posts highest sales yet to take 3rd
- Starlet and Urban Cruiser back in the top 10
In May 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle sales increased 12.8% year on year to 51 071 units, with the local passenger-vehicle segment registering even stronger growth, gaining 16.3% year on year to reach 36 871 units. But which passenger vehicles were most popular with local buyers last month?
Before we examine the figures, it’s worth pointing out the rental channel accounted for 6.0% of total passenger-vehicle sales in May, meaning 2 203 cars were sold to rental companies. A further 463 units were purchased by government, while a whopping 1 030 units were reported as “single” registrations (vehicles the respective brands kept for their own use).
Polo Vivo reclaims passenger-car crown
After having to settle for 2nd place in April 2026, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo returned to the top spot in May, with sales of this Kariega-built hatchback increasing 26.4% month on month to 2 335 units – its best effort of 2026 thus far. Note this figure excludes 29 units of the Xpress panel-van derivative that were registered in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space.
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in May 2026
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo (excluding LCV) – 2 335 units
2. Chery Tiggo 4 (including Cross) – 2 059 units
3. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 796 units
4. Suzuki Swift – 1 588 units
5. Haval Jolion – 1 345 units
6. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 210 units
7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 177 units
8. Jetour T2 – 1 090 units
9. Toyota Starlet – 992 units
10. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 944 units
Binary_Bark
Forging
FiestaST
Honorary Master
VW South Africa celebrates one-millionth sixth-generation Polo built at Plant Kariega
Volkswagen Group Africa has achieved a new manufacturing milestone, with the one-millionth Polo rolling off the German marque’s Plant Kariega assembly line.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has announced the one-millionth sixth-generation Polo has been produced at its Kariega production facility in the Eastern Cape. This comes after the 500 000th unit built for export rolled off the production line in April 2026. Local production of the sixth-generation Polo kicked off in 2017, and VWGA has been manufacturing four generations of the popular hatchback since 1996.
Finished in Smoky Grey exterior paint, the one-millionth Polo is a right-hand-drive GTI, destined for the South African market. The current-generation Polo makes up almost half of all Polos ever produced at Plant Kariega, as well as around a fifth of the 4 803 424 vehicles built at this factory over the past 75 years. It will also continue to build up to a significant portion of cars as it will remain in production here into the next decade, VW confirmed to us.
Around 86% of this iteration was exported to international markets like the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, while 14% were built for the local market. Germany and the UK are the biggest export destinations for the locally-built Polo, and Plant Kariega is currently the only manufacturer in the world and exporter of this model to 38 countries.
www.carmag.co.za
Volkswagen Group Africa has achieved a new manufacturing milestone, with the one-millionth Polo rolling off the German marque’s Plant Kariega assembly line.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has announced the one-millionth sixth-generation Polo has been produced at its Kariega production facility in the Eastern Cape. This comes after the 500 000th unit built for export rolled off the production line in April 2026. Local production of the sixth-generation Polo kicked off in 2017, and VWGA has been manufacturing four generations of the popular hatchback since 1996.
Finished in Smoky Grey exterior paint, the one-millionth Polo is a right-hand-drive GTI, destined for the South African market. The current-generation Polo makes up almost half of all Polos ever produced at Plant Kariega, as well as around a fifth of the 4 803 424 vehicles built at this factory over the past 75 years. It will also continue to build up to a significant portion of cars as it will remain in production here into the next decade, VW confirmed to us.
Around 86% of this iteration was exported to international markets like the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, while 14% were built for the local market. Germany and the UK are the biggest export destinations for the locally-built Polo, and Plant Kariega is currently the only manufacturer in the world and exporter of this model to 38 countries.
VW South Africa celebrates one-millionth sixth-generation Polo built at Plant Kariega
Volkswagen Group Africa has celebrated the one-million sixth-generation Polo built at the German marque’s Plant Kariega...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Top 5 vehicle exporters in SA – May 2026
We have compiled a list of the top five vehicle exporters in South Africa in May 2026. See the list below…
According to naamsa, a total of 29 392 vehicles were exported from South Africa in May 2026. This figure represents a 1 547-unit decrease compared to the 30 939 units exported in April 2026. The former figure also represents a 1 467-unit year-on-year decrease compared to the total 30 859 units exported during the same period last year.
In May 2026, Volkswagen Group SA retained its position as the largest exporter of new vehicles in SA, with naamsa reporting that 10 510 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. This marks a two-unit decrease compared to the 10 512 units exported in April 2026. Second position once again went to BMW Group, with a total of 6 300 units exported from its Rosslyn Plant, near Pretoria, where the fourth-generation BMW X3 (G45) has been produced since October 2024. The latter figure represents a 200-unit increase compared to the previous month.
Mercedes-Benz SA placed third with 5 600 exports; an increase of 100 units. Ford Motor Company was the fourth-largest vehicle exporter in SA in the fifth month of the year, with the Blue Oval brand’s local arm registering 4 011 units exported. Toyota SA, who topped the list of best-selling car brands in SA in May 2026, remained in fifth place last month. The local arm of the Japanese automaker registered 1 756 units exported; representing a decrease of 1 687 units.
Top 5 vehicle exporters in SA in May 2026
Volkswagen Group SA – 10 510 (down 2)
BMW Group – 6 300 (up 200)
Mercedes-Benz SA – 5 600 (up 100)
Ford Motor Company – 4 011 (down 172)
Toyota South Africa Motors – 1 756 (down 1 687)
www.carmag.co.za
We have compiled a list of the top five vehicle exporters in South Africa in May 2026. See the list below…
According to naamsa, a total of 29 392 vehicles were exported from South Africa in May 2026. This figure represents a 1 547-unit decrease compared to the 30 939 units exported in April 2026. The former figure also represents a 1 467-unit year-on-year decrease compared to the total 30 859 units exported during the same period last year.
In May 2026, Volkswagen Group SA retained its position as the largest exporter of new vehicles in SA, with naamsa reporting that 10 510 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. This marks a two-unit decrease compared to the 10 512 units exported in April 2026. Second position once again went to BMW Group, with a total of 6 300 units exported from its Rosslyn Plant, near Pretoria, where the fourth-generation BMW X3 (G45) has been produced since October 2024. The latter figure represents a 200-unit increase compared to the previous month.
Mercedes-Benz SA placed third with 5 600 exports; an increase of 100 units. Ford Motor Company was the fourth-largest vehicle exporter in SA in the fifth month of the year, with the Blue Oval brand’s local arm registering 4 011 units exported. Toyota SA, who topped the list of best-selling car brands in SA in May 2026, remained in fifth place last month. The local arm of the Japanese automaker registered 1 756 units exported; representing a decrease of 1 687 units.
Top 5 vehicle exporters in SA in May 2026
Volkswagen Group SA – 10 510 (down 2)
BMW Group – 6 300 (up 200)
Mercedes-Benz SA – 5 600 (up 100)
Ford Motor Company – 4 011 (down 172)
Toyota South Africa Motors – 1 756 (down 1 687)
Top 5 vehicle exporters in SA – May 2026
We have compiled a list of the top five vehicle exporters in South Africa in May 2026. See the full list below…
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Africa Is the Last Big Car Market — But Can South Africa Win It? - Cars.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Toyota retains lead as best-selling car brand in SA in May 2026
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has retained its lead as the best-selling car brand in SA in the fifth month of 2026.
In May 2026, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) retained its first-place lead among the top 10 best-selling car brands in SA. In the fifth month of the year, the local arm of the Japanese automaker recorded a total number of 10 667 new vehicles sold. The latter figure represents an overall 20.9% market share.
In the passenger-car segment, TSAM registered 6 609 units sold; accounting for a 17.9% market share. The Corolla Cross was the firm’s best-selling passenger car, with 1 210 units sold; followed by the Starlet, Urban Cruiser and Vitz, of which 992, 944 and 881 units were sold, respectively. A total number of 323 new Land Cruiser Prado units found homes in May 2026, while 103 new Land Cruiser 300 units left showroom floors. The new Land Cruiser FJ, which we sampled for an exclusive first drive ahead of its local launch, and bZ4X all-electric crossover/SUV performed well considering these two models only reached dealerships towards the end of May. The former and latter registered 127 and 33 units sold, respectively. Lexus sold 89 units in total, with the NX, GX and LX accounting for 27, 26 and 16 units sold, respectively.
Toyota maintained a commanding 32.7% market share in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment. Of the 11 251 vehicles sold in the LCV segment, TSAM shifted 3 682 units. The Hilux remained SA’s best-selling vehicle, with 2 488 units sold in May. Other notable mentions include the Hiace and Land Cruiser Pick-up, of which 518 and 466 units were sold, respectively.
In the medium (MCV) and heavy (HCV) commercial vehicle segments – the former and latter of which recorded 718 and 2 231 industry sales, respectively – Toyota achieved a 31.6% market share in the MCV segment, with 227 units sold, and a 21.0% market share in the HCV segment, with 126 units sold.
www.carmag.co.za
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has retained its lead as the best-selling car brand in SA in the fifth month of 2026.
In May 2026, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) retained its first-place lead among the top 10 best-selling car brands in SA. In the fifth month of the year, the local arm of the Japanese automaker recorded a total number of 10 667 new vehicles sold. The latter figure represents an overall 20.9% market share.
In the passenger-car segment, TSAM registered 6 609 units sold; accounting for a 17.9% market share. The Corolla Cross was the firm’s best-selling passenger car, with 1 210 units sold; followed by the Starlet, Urban Cruiser and Vitz, of which 992, 944 and 881 units were sold, respectively. A total number of 323 new Land Cruiser Prado units found homes in May 2026, while 103 new Land Cruiser 300 units left showroom floors. The new Land Cruiser FJ, which we sampled for an exclusive first drive ahead of its local launch, and bZ4X all-electric crossover/SUV performed well considering these two models only reached dealerships towards the end of May. The former and latter registered 127 and 33 units sold, respectively. Lexus sold 89 units in total, with the NX, GX and LX accounting for 27, 26 and 16 units sold, respectively.
Toyota maintained a commanding 32.7% market share in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment. Of the 11 251 vehicles sold in the LCV segment, TSAM shifted 3 682 units. The Hilux remained SA’s best-selling vehicle, with 2 488 units sold in May. Other notable mentions include the Hiace and Land Cruiser Pick-up, of which 518 and 466 units were sold, respectively.
In the medium (MCV) and heavy (HCV) commercial vehicle segments – the former and latter of which recorded 718 and 2 231 industry sales, respectively – Toyota achieved a 31.6% market share in the MCV segment, with 227 units sold, and a 21.0% market share in the HCV segment, with 126 units sold.
Toyota retains lead as best-selling car brand in SA in May 2026
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) retained its lead as the best-selling car brand in SA in the fifth month of 2026.
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
One in five new vehicles now Chinese as sales surge by 75% year-on-year
South Africa’s new passenger vehicle market grew by 12.6% in the first quarter of 2026, the latest statistics show, but traditional manufacturers saw very little of this growth in their own showrooms.
According to TransUnion’s Q1 2026 Mobility Insights Report, Chinese car sales grew by 75% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year, significantly outpacing the 2% growth seen by traditional OEMs.
Chinese brands now account for 19% of all new passenger and light commercial vehicles sold in South Africa, with the Chery Group now emerging as a top-three player if one combines sales of its core brand with Jetour, Omoda and Jaecoo.
The Chinese market share is surely poised to grow further, with Chery Group recently introducing the Lepas and iCaur brands, while automakers such as Geely and BYD are rapidly expanding their local model line-ups, particularly in the new energy space.
TransUnion research director Ayesha Hatea says the shift is no longer driven by entry-level pricing, as these “disruptor” brands are increasingly competing on technology, features, fuel efficiency and warranty offerings.
“Chinese brands have moved beyond the role of price disruptors. They are becoming structural industry players, influencing dealer networks, financing ecosystems, ownership perceptions, and the wider discussion around localisation and industrial competitiveness,” Hatea said.
The TransUnion report further found that residual values are becoming an increasingly important component of vehicle affordability, particularly as finance terms are extending beyond six years for many buyers.
South Africa’s new passenger vehicle market grew by 12.6% in the first quarter of 2026, the latest statistics show, but traditional manufacturers saw very little of this growth in their own showrooms.
According to TransUnion’s Q1 2026 Mobility Insights Report, Chinese car sales grew by 75% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year, significantly outpacing the 2% growth seen by traditional OEMs.
Chinese brands now account for 19% of all new passenger and light commercial vehicles sold in South Africa, with the Chery Group now emerging as a top-three player if one combines sales of its core brand with Jetour, Omoda and Jaecoo.
The Chinese market share is surely poised to grow further, with Chery Group recently introducing the Lepas and iCaur brands, while automakers such as Geely and BYD are rapidly expanding their local model line-ups, particularly in the new energy space.
TransUnion research director Ayesha Hatea says the shift is no longer driven by entry-level pricing, as these “disruptor” brands are increasingly competing on technology, features, fuel efficiency and warranty offerings.
“Chinese brands have moved beyond the role of price disruptors. They are becoming structural industry players, influencing dealer networks, financing ecosystems, ownership perceptions, and the wider discussion around localisation and industrial competitiveness,” Hatea said.
The TransUnion report further found that residual values are becoming an increasingly important component of vehicle affordability, particularly as finance terms are extending beyond six years for many buyers.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Close race for 2nd! SA’s new-vehicle sales in June 2026
In June 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded its 21st straight month of year-on-year sales growth, while just 76 units separated the 2nd- and 3rd-placed automakers…
- New-vehicle sales up 15.3% year-on-year in June
- South Africa’s highest June sales total since 2009
- Toyota leads as market share rebounds to 22.8%
- Isuzu hits best month-on-month growth in top 10
- Jetour breaks own record again (but slips to 9th)
- Chinese brand BYD Auto breaks into the top 15
In June 2026, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 15.3% year on year to 54 482 units, representing not only the local industry’s 21st consecutive month of year-on-year growth but also its strongest June performance since way back in 2009.
The 2nd highest total of the year thus far (after March‘s effort), June 2026’s figure furthermore represented a 6.7% month-on-month improvement over May 2026. However, new-vehicle export volumes decreased 6.9% year on year (though increased 15.2% month on month) to 33 879 units.
According to industry-representative body Naamsa, an estimated 86.9% of June 2026’s total reported domestic figure of 54 482 units represented sales via the dealership channel, while 7.8% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 2.8% to government and 2.5% to industry corporate fleets.
Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market ended the month on 38 393 units (with rental sales accounting for 9.7% of that figure), an increase of 18.1% compared to June 2025. Meanwhile, local sales of new light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew 8.4% year on year to 13 171 units.
In June 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded its 21st straight month of year-on-year sales growth, while just 76 units separated the 2nd- and 3rd-placed automakers…
- New-vehicle sales up 15.3% year-on-year in June
- South Africa’s highest June sales total since 2009
- Toyota leads as market share rebounds to 22.8%
- Isuzu hits best month-on-month growth in top 10
- Jetour breaks own record again (but slips to 9th)
- Chinese brand BYD Auto breaks into the top 15
In June 2026, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 15.3% year on year to 54 482 units, representing not only the local industry’s 21st consecutive month of year-on-year growth but also its strongest June performance since way back in 2009.
The 2nd highest total of the year thus far (after March‘s effort), June 2026’s figure furthermore represented a 6.7% month-on-month improvement over May 2026. However, new-vehicle export volumes decreased 6.9% year on year (though increased 15.2% month on month) to 33 879 units.
According to industry-representative body Naamsa, an estimated 86.9% of June 2026’s total reported domestic figure of 54 482 units represented sales via the dealership channel, while 7.8% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 2.8% to government and 2.5% to industry corporate fleets.
Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market ended the month on 38 393 units (with rental sales accounting for 9.7% of that figure), an increase of 18.1% compared to June 2025. Meanwhile, local sales of new light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew 8.4% year on year to 13 171 units.
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Honorary Master
South African new vehicle sales continue to boom: These were the top 15 carmakers in June
South Africa’s new vehicle market continues to boom despite the economic headwinds facing consumers, and June saw the market’s strongest performance in almost 20 years.
According to Naamsa, aggregate new vehicle sales reached 45,482 units last month, which was the strongest June performance since 2007, and also a 15.3% improvement over the same month in 2025.
Dealer sales accounted for 86.9% of all new vehicle sales in the country, followed by rental industry sales (7.8%), government sales (2.8%) and industry corporates (2.5%).
The passenger vehicle market led the way with its total of 38,393 units representing year-on-year growth of 18.1%, while the light commercial and bakkie market grew by 8.4% to 12,155 units. Medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales grew by 0.6% and 15.9% respectively, the latter being a worrying development given the carnage on our roads and the dire state of South Africa’s railways.
Affordable new models from China and India are driving South Africa’s new vehicle sales boom, with Chinese vehicle sales having grown by 75% year-on-year in the first quarter, according to TransUnion’s Mobility Insights Report, with second-quarter figures likely continuing the trend. Chinese brands now account for 19% of all new passenger and LCV sales in the country.
On the June sales charts, three Chinese automakers fell within the top 10, with GWM in sixth, Chery in seventh and Jetour in ninth, while Suzuki (which builds most of its SA-bound products in India) once again edged Volkswagen for second place overall.
Top 15 carmakers: June 2026
Toyota - 12,417
Suzuki Auto - 5,689
Volkswagen - 5,613
Hyundai - 2,986
Ford Motor Co - 2,961
GWM SA - 2,608
Chery Auto - 2,602
Isuzu - 2,121
Jetour - 2,054
Mahindra - 1,669
Kia SA - 1,416
Omoda & Jaecoo - 1,416
Renault - 1,326
BMW Group - 1,314
BYD - 800
South Africa’s vehicle exports remained under pressure, with June’s total of 33,879 units representing a 6.9% year-on-year decline.
iol.co.za
South Africa’s new vehicle market continues to boom despite the economic headwinds facing consumers, and June saw the market’s strongest performance in almost 20 years.
According to Naamsa, aggregate new vehicle sales reached 45,482 units last month, which was the strongest June performance since 2007, and also a 15.3% improvement over the same month in 2025.
Dealer sales accounted for 86.9% of all new vehicle sales in the country, followed by rental industry sales (7.8%), government sales (2.8%) and industry corporates (2.5%).
The passenger vehicle market led the way with its total of 38,393 units representing year-on-year growth of 18.1%, while the light commercial and bakkie market grew by 8.4% to 12,155 units. Medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales grew by 0.6% and 15.9% respectively, the latter being a worrying development given the carnage on our roads and the dire state of South Africa’s railways.
Affordable new models from China and India are driving South Africa’s new vehicle sales boom, with Chinese vehicle sales having grown by 75% year-on-year in the first quarter, according to TransUnion’s Mobility Insights Report, with second-quarter figures likely continuing the trend. Chinese brands now account for 19% of all new passenger and LCV sales in the country.
On the June sales charts, three Chinese automakers fell within the top 10, with GWM in sixth, Chery in seventh and Jetour in ninth, while Suzuki (which builds most of its SA-bound products in India) once again edged Volkswagen for second place overall.
Top 15 carmakers: June 2026
Toyota - 12,417
Suzuki Auto - 5,689
Volkswagen - 5,613
Hyundai - 2,986
Ford Motor Co - 2,961
GWM SA - 2,608
Chery Auto - 2,602
Isuzu - 2,121
Jetour - 2,054
Mahindra - 1,669
Kia SA - 1,416
Omoda & Jaecoo - 1,416
Renault - 1,326
BMW Group - 1,314
BYD - 800
South Africa’s vehicle exports remained under pressure, with June’s total of 33,879 units representing a 6.9% year-on-year decline.
South African new vehicle sales continue to boom: These were the top 15 carmakers in June
The South African new vehicle market saw its best June performance since 2017 as Chinese and Indian models continued to drive the surge. Find out which brands were the most popular last month.
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Hilux sales surge! SA’s best-selling bakkies in June 2026
In June 2026, sales of the Toyota Hilux surged over 39% month on month, while the Mahindra Pik Up grabbed back 4th on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies…
- Hilux registrations surge as 9th-gen launches
- Ranger records its best month of 2026 so far
- Government order sees D-Max sales rocket
- Pik Up grabs back 4th; Amarok climbs to 6th
- Triton and Tasman down in 16th and 17th
In June 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 15.3% year on year to 54 482 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment registering its 16th consecutive month of year-on-year growth, improving 8.4% to 13 171 units. So, was there any movement on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Well, the podium positions were unchanged last month. In the end, the Toyota Hilux – which welcomed select 9th-generation derivatives to the local Prospecton-built range in the 2nd week of June 2026 – enjoyed a 39.2% month-on-month surge in sales to reach a heady 3 464 units. That’s the Japanese nameplate’s 2nd best showing of the year thus far, behind only March 2026.
Bakkie sales in South Africa for June 2026
1. Toyota Hilux – 3 464 units
2. Ford Ranger – 2 150 units
3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 724 units
4. Mahindra Pik Up – 701 units
5. GWM P-Series – 565 units
6. Volkswagen Amarok – 497 units
7. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 462 units
8. Nissan Navara – 294 units
9. Peugeot Landtrek – 267 units
10. JAC T-Series – 250 units
11. Foton Tunland – 241 units
12. BYD Shark 6 – 126 units
13. Mahindra Bolero – 57 units
14. LDV T60 – 52 units
15. Changan Hunter – 47 units
16. Mitsubishi Triton – 44 units
17. Kia Tasman – 28 units
18. LDV Terron 9 – 12 units
19. GWM Steed – 2 units
20. Jeep Gladiator – 0 units
In June 2026, sales of the Toyota Hilux surged over 39% month on month, while the Mahindra Pik Up grabbed back 4th on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies…
- Hilux registrations surge as 9th-gen launches
- Ranger records its best month of 2026 so far
- Government order sees D-Max sales rocket
- Pik Up grabs back 4th; Amarok climbs to 6th
- Triton and Tasman down in 16th and 17th
In June 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 15.3% year on year to 54 482 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment registering its 16th consecutive month of year-on-year growth, improving 8.4% to 13 171 units. So, was there any movement on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Well, the podium positions were unchanged last month. In the end, the Toyota Hilux – which welcomed select 9th-generation derivatives to the local Prospecton-built range in the 2nd week of June 2026 – enjoyed a 39.2% month-on-month surge in sales to reach a heady 3 464 units. That’s the Japanese nameplate’s 2nd best showing of the year thus far, behind only March 2026.
Bakkie sales in South Africa for June 2026
1. Toyota Hilux – 3 464 units
2. Ford Ranger – 2 150 units
3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 724 units
4. Mahindra Pik Up – 701 units
5. GWM P-Series – 565 units
6. Volkswagen Amarok – 497 units
7. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 462 units
8. Nissan Navara – 294 units
9. Peugeot Landtrek – 267 units
10. JAC T-Series – 250 units
11. Foton Tunland – 241 units
12. BYD Shark 6 – 126 units
13. Mahindra Bolero – 57 units
14. LDV T60 – 52 units
15. Changan Hunter – 47 units
16. Mitsubishi Triton – 44 units
17. Kia Tasman – 28 units
18. LDV Terron 9 – 12 units
19. GWM Steed – 2 units
20. Jeep Gladiator – 0 units
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Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA – June 2026
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best-selling car brands in SA in June 2026. See the full list below…
As the chapter closes on the first half of the year, the local automotive market continues to maintain its sales momentum. In June 2026, naamsa, the Automotive Business Council of South Africa, reported a total number of 54 482 new cars were sold – an increase of 3 495 units compared to the same period last year. The industry also recorded growth in month-to-month sales, with June 2026’s aggregate new-car sales representing an increase of 3 411 units compared to the 51 071 new vehicles sold in May 2026.
Toyota once again topped the local sales charts as the best-selling car brand in the sixth month of the year, with 12 417 new Toyota vehicles rolling off showroom floors; an increase of 1 750 units over May 2026. Suzuki retained second place, with the 5 689 new Suzuki vehicles sold – an increase of 143 units – narrowly edging out Volkswagen, which followed closely behind with 5 613 deliveries last month, an increase of 318 units.
Hyundai remained in fourth position, followed by Ford and GWM – the former and latter claiming fifth and sixth place, respectively – while Chery retained seventh spot. Isuzu placed eighth, relegating Jetour and Mahindra to ninth and tenth positions, respectively. Kia missed out on the top 10, placing eleventh among the best-selling car brands in SA in June 2026.
Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA in June 2026
Toyota – 12 417 (up 1 750)
Suzuki – 5 689 (up 143)
Volkswagen – 5 613 units (up 318)
Hyundai – 2986 units (down 68)
Ford – 2 961 units (up 29)
GWM – 2 608 units (up 3)
Chery – 2 602 units (up 33)
Isuzu – 2 121 (up 750)
Jetour – 2 054 units (up 34)
Mahindra – 1 669 units (up 240)
www.carmag.co.za
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best-selling car brands in SA in June 2026. See the full list below…
As the chapter closes on the first half of the year, the local automotive market continues to maintain its sales momentum. In June 2026, naamsa, the Automotive Business Council of South Africa, reported a total number of 54 482 new cars were sold – an increase of 3 495 units compared to the same period last year. The industry also recorded growth in month-to-month sales, with June 2026’s aggregate new-car sales representing an increase of 3 411 units compared to the 51 071 new vehicles sold in May 2026.
Toyota once again topped the local sales charts as the best-selling car brand in the sixth month of the year, with 12 417 new Toyota vehicles rolling off showroom floors; an increase of 1 750 units over May 2026. Suzuki retained second place, with the 5 689 new Suzuki vehicles sold – an increase of 143 units – narrowly edging out Volkswagen, which followed closely behind with 5 613 deliveries last month, an increase of 318 units.
Hyundai remained in fourth position, followed by Ford and GWM – the former and latter claiming fifth and sixth place, respectively – while Chery retained seventh spot. Isuzu placed eighth, relegating Jetour and Mahindra to ninth and tenth positions, respectively. Kia missed out on the top 10, placing eleventh among the best-selling car brands in SA in June 2026.
Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA in June 2026
Toyota – 12 417 (up 1 750)
Suzuki – 5 689 (up 143)
Volkswagen – 5 613 units (up 318)
Hyundai – 2986 units (down 68)
Ford – 2 961 units (up 29)
GWM – 2 608 units (up 3)
Chery – 2 602 units (up 33)
Isuzu – 2 121 (up 750)
Jetour – 2 054 units (up 34)
Mahindra – 1 669 units (up 240)
Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA – June 2026
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best-selling car brands in South Africa in June 2026. See the full list below…
www.carmag.co.za