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The SA Vehicle Industry Thread
- Thread starter FiestaST
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford hits 5-year high! SA’s new-vehicle sales in August 2026
In August 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded its 23rd straight month of year-on-year growth, with Ford climbing to 4th place on the back of its highest sales in over 5 years…
- New-vehicle sales up 11.4% year-on-year in August
- Exports decline 11.9% year on year to 35 091 units
- Ford posts highest total in over 5 years to grab 4th
- Chery hits record figure to again rank ahead of GWM
- Tata Motors PV SA breaks into top 15 for first time
In August 2026, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, representing the local industry’s 23rd consecutive month of year-on-year growth as well as the 2nd-highest total of the year (after March 2026). For the record, August’s showing was also 0.3% higher than July 2026’s effort.
In contrast, however, new-vehicle exports from South Africa dropped 11.9% year on year to 35 091 units, a result that industry-representative body Naamsa said reinforced the “need to strengthen industrial competitiveness and translate improving domestic demand into local production, localisation, investment and employment”.
According to Naamsa, an estimated 81.8% of August 2026’s total reported domestic figure of 57 898 units represented sales via the dealership channel, while 13.4% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 2.4% to government and 2.4% to industry corporate fleets.
Registrations in Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market increased 11.6% year on year to 41 216 units (with rental sales accounting for a significant 17.2% of that total) in August. Meanwhile, local sales of new light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew 11.0% year on year to 13 727 units.
New-vehicle sales summary for August 2026
- Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 57 898 units increased by 11.4% (5 938 units) compared to August 2025.
- New passenger-vehicle sales of 41 216 units increased by 11.6% (4 269 units) compared to August 2025.
- New light-commercial vehicle sales of 13 727 units increased by 11.0% (1 358 units) compared to August 2025.
- Export sales of 35 091 units decreased by 11.9% (4 742 units) compared to August 2025.
10 best-selling automakers in SA in August 2026
1. Toyota – 13 814 units
2. Suzuki – 6 505 units
3. Volkswagen Group – 5 668 units
4. Ford – 3 202 units
5. Hyundai – 3 034 units
6. Chery – 2 763 units
7. GWM – 2 594 units
8. Isuzu – 2 531 units
9. Jetour – 1 952 units
10. Kia – 1 783 units
In August 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded its 23rd straight month of year-on-year growth, with Ford climbing to 4th place on the back of its highest sales in over 5 years…
- New-vehicle sales up 11.4% year-on-year in August
- Exports decline 11.9% year on year to 35 091 units
- Ford posts highest total in over 5 years to grab 4th
- Chery hits record figure to again rank ahead of GWM
- Tata Motors PV SA breaks into top 15 for first time
In August 2026, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, representing the local industry’s 23rd consecutive month of year-on-year growth as well as the 2nd-highest total of the year (after March 2026). For the record, August’s showing was also 0.3% higher than July 2026’s effort.
In contrast, however, new-vehicle exports from South Africa dropped 11.9% year on year to 35 091 units, a result that industry-representative body Naamsa said reinforced the “need to strengthen industrial competitiveness and translate improving domestic demand into local production, localisation, investment and employment”.
According to Naamsa, an estimated 81.8% of August 2026’s total reported domestic figure of 57 898 units represented sales via the dealership channel, while 13.4% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 2.4% to government and 2.4% to industry corporate fleets.
Registrations in Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market increased 11.6% year on year to 41 216 units (with rental sales accounting for a significant 17.2% of that total) in August. Meanwhile, local sales of new light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew 11.0% year on year to 13 727 units.
New-vehicle sales summary for August 2026
- Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 57 898 units increased by 11.4% (5 938 units) compared to August 2025.
- New passenger-vehicle sales of 41 216 units increased by 11.6% (4 269 units) compared to August 2025.
- New light-commercial vehicle sales of 13 727 units increased by 11.0% (1 358 units) compared to August 2025.
- Export sales of 35 091 units decreased by 11.9% (4 742 units) compared to August 2025.
10 best-selling automakers in SA in August 2026
1. Toyota – 13 814 units
2. Suzuki – 6 505 units
3. Volkswagen Group – 5 668 units
4. Ford – 3 202 units
5. Hyundai – 3 034 units
6. Chery – 2 763 units
7. GWM – 2 594 units
8. Isuzu – 2 531 units
9. Jetour – 1 952 units
10. Kia – 1 783 units
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
VW celebrates 75 years in SA by unveiling the Tengo
There are birthdays, and then there are birthdays that double as a statement of intent. Volkswagen’s 75th anniversary celebration in Kariega last night was certainly the latter, and the cherry on the cake was a first look at the all-important Tengo crossover.
Amid the nostalgia and the rows of iconic classics, the evening’s real headline act rolled confidently onto the stage: the Tengo, the compact crossover that VW is betting will carry this plant and this brand’s African ambitions into its next chapter.
It’s worth sitting with the scale of the occasion first. President Cyril Ramaphosa was the guest of honour at the gala dinner, and he didn’t mince his words about what Volkswagen means here. “This brand is so woven into our culture that we sometimes have to remind ourselves that Volkswagen is not South African,” he told the room. It was a line that landed exactly as intended in a town that has built Beetles, Kombis, Golfs and Polos since a South African Motor Assemblers and Distributors (SAMAD) line first assembled a Beetle on 31 August 1951.
Seventy-five years, nearly 40 models and more than 4.8 million vehicles later, Kariega is still turning out cars for South Africa, but also the world.
Meet the Tengo
If you’ve been following the local rumour mill, the name won’t be new to you. VW Group Africa (VWGA) let the public vote on it back in 2025, and “Tengo” (chosen for its resonance across African languages, evoking strength and resilience) beat out Tavi, Tiva and Tion. What was new last night was seeing it in the metal, on home soil, for the first time.
This is a critical new product. Built on the same platform that underpins the Polo and closely related to the Brazilian-market Tera, the Tengo is a compact crossover engineered specifically to plug the gap beneath the T-Cross. In other words, it will fill the entry-level, value-driven space where Chinese brands have made their most damaging inroads into VW‘s local volumes over the past few years. This is the segment where the battle for South Africa’s new-car buyer is actually being fought, and until now, Volkswagen hasn’t had a proper foot soldier there.
There are birthdays, and then there are birthdays that double as a statement of intent. Volkswagen’s 75th anniversary celebration in Kariega last night was certainly the latter, and the cherry on the cake was a first look at the all-important Tengo crossover.
Amid the nostalgia and the rows of iconic classics, the evening’s real headline act rolled confidently onto the stage: the Tengo, the compact crossover that VW is betting will carry this plant and this brand’s African ambitions into its next chapter.
It’s worth sitting with the scale of the occasion first. President Cyril Ramaphosa was the guest of honour at the gala dinner, and he didn’t mince his words about what Volkswagen means here. “This brand is so woven into our culture that we sometimes have to remind ourselves that Volkswagen is not South African,” he told the room. It was a line that landed exactly as intended in a town that has built Beetles, Kombis, Golfs and Polos since a South African Motor Assemblers and Distributors (SAMAD) line first assembled a Beetle on 31 August 1951.
Seventy-five years, nearly 40 models and more than 4.8 million vehicles later, Kariega is still turning out cars for South Africa, but also the world.
Meet the Tengo
If you’ve been following the local rumour mill, the name won’t be new to you. VW Group Africa (VWGA) let the public vote on it back in 2025, and “Tengo” (chosen for its resonance across African languages, evoking strength and resilience) beat out Tavi, Tiva and Tion. What was new last night was seeing it in the metal, on home soil, for the first time.
This is a critical new product. Built on the same platform that underpins the Polo and closely related to the Brazilian-market Tera, the Tengo is a compact crossover engineered specifically to plug the gap beneath the T-Cross. In other words, it will fill the entry-level, value-driven space where Chinese brands have made their most damaging inroads into VW‘s local volumes over the past few years. This is the segment where the battle for South Africa’s new-car buyer is actually being fought, and until now, Volkswagen hasn’t had a proper foot soldier there.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
No stopping Hilux! SA’s best-selling bakkies in August 2026
In August 2026, the Hilux comfortably retained first place on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies, despite the Ranger posting its best effort since September 2024…
- Hilux way out in front despite 7.4% dip
- Ranger posts highest figure in 2 years
- Nissan Navara climbs back to 8th place
- Bolero almost cracks top 10 in August
- Tasman sales dwindle to just 17 units
In August 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment growing 11.0% year on year to 13 727 units. But what happened on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Well, local registrations of the Toyota Hilux dipped 7.4% month on month to 3 881 units (including 494 sales via the rental channel) off a 2026-high in July. But the Prospecton-built bakkie range – which currently comprises a mix of 8th- and 9th-generation derivatives – nevertheless easily retained first place in August 2026.
That said, the Ford Ranger registered its highest single-month total since September 2024, with sales of the Silverton-made model (plus those of the Thai-built Raptor) increasing 15.0% month on month to 2 373 units. As such, the 2nd-placed Ranger created some breathing space ahead of the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max, sales of which increased 1.8% month on month to 2 005 units (including 327 purchases by government).
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (down 10.1% month on month to 612 units) retained 4th position, with the GWM P-Series (up 9.7% month on month to 588 units) once more rounding out the top 5 and again ranking as Mzansi’s most popular fully imported bakkie in August.
Bakkie sales in South Africa for August 2026
1. Toyota Hilux – 3 881 units
2. Ford Ranger – 2 373 units
3. Isuzu D-Max – 2 005 units
4. Mahindra Pik Up – 612 units
5. GWM P-Series – 588 units
6. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 434 units
7. Volkswagen Amarok – 351 units
8. Nissan Navara – 293 units
9. JAC T-Series – 246 units
10. Foton Tunland – 158 units
11. Mahindra Bolero – 154 units
12. Peugeot Landtrek – 133 units
13. JMC Vigus – 130 units
14. BYD Shark 6 – 127 units
15. LDV T60 – 120 units
16. Changan Hunter – 23 units
17. Mitsubishi Triton – 22 units
18. Kia Tasman – 17 units
19. LDV Terron 9 – 8 units
20. Jeep Gladiator – 0 unit
In August 2026, the Hilux comfortably retained first place on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies, despite the Ranger posting its best effort since September 2024…
- Hilux way out in front despite 7.4% dip
- Ranger posts highest figure in 2 years
- Nissan Navara climbs back to 8th place
- Bolero almost cracks top 10 in August
- Tasman sales dwindle to just 17 units
In August 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment growing 11.0% year on year to 13 727 units. But what happened on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Well, local registrations of the Toyota Hilux dipped 7.4% month on month to 3 881 units (including 494 sales via the rental channel) off a 2026-high in July. But the Prospecton-built bakkie range – which currently comprises a mix of 8th- and 9th-generation derivatives – nevertheless easily retained first place in August 2026.
That said, the Ford Ranger registered its highest single-month total since September 2024, with sales of the Silverton-made model (plus those of the Thai-built Raptor) increasing 15.0% month on month to 2 373 units. As such, the 2nd-placed Ranger created some breathing space ahead of the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max, sales of which increased 1.8% month on month to 2 005 units (including 327 purchases by government).
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (down 10.1% month on month to 612 units) retained 4th position, with the GWM P-Series (up 9.7% month on month to 588 units) once more rounding out the top 5 and again ranking as Mzansi’s most popular fully imported bakkie in August.
Bakkie sales in South Africa for August 2026
1. Toyota Hilux – 3 881 units
2. Ford Ranger – 2 373 units
3. Isuzu D-Max – 2 005 units
4. Mahindra Pik Up – 612 units
5. GWM P-Series – 588 units
6. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 434 units
7. Volkswagen Amarok – 351 units
8. Nissan Navara – 293 units
9. JAC T-Series – 246 units
10. Foton Tunland – 158 units
11. Mahindra Bolero – 154 units
12. Peugeot Landtrek – 133 units
13. JMC Vigus – 130 units
14. BYD Shark 6 – 127 units
15. LDV T60 – 120 units
16. Changan Hunter – 23 units
17. Mitsubishi Triton – 22 units
18. Kia Tasman – 17 units
19. LDV Terron 9 – 8 units
20. Jeep Gladiator – 0 unit
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
Watch: Exclusive first look at SA-built VW Tengo compact SUV
Ahead of its official SA launch in 2027, we were afforded an exclusive first look at the Tengo at the facility it is produced – VW’s Plant Kariega. CAR Editor Ian McLaren highlights what you can expect from this new SA-built compact SUV.
Built at Volkswagen’s world-class Plant Kariega production facility in the Eastern Cape, the Tengo is set to launch in South Africa in 2027. Sharing an assembly line with the Polo and Polo Vivo hatchbacks, the Tengo will be the third VW model manufactured locally. In the video, CAR Editor Ian McLaren takes a closer look at the new compact SUV, detailing its exterior and interior.
A collaboration with VW Brazil, where that market has a similarly packaged Tera product, the Tengo has been specifically developed, including gaining a more robust suspension setup than that car, to best suit the South African market and, indeed, other key markets in Africa.
www.carmag.co.za
Ahead of its official SA launch in 2027, we were afforded an exclusive first look at the Tengo at the facility it is produced – VW’s Plant Kariega. CAR Editor Ian McLaren highlights what you can expect from this new SA-built compact SUV.
Built at Volkswagen’s world-class Plant Kariega production facility in the Eastern Cape, the Tengo is set to launch in South Africa in 2027. Sharing an assembly line with the Polo and Polo Vivo hatchbacks, the Tengo will be the third VW model manufactured locally. In the video, CAR Editor Ian McLaren takes a closer look at the new compact SUV, detailing its exterior and interior.
A collaboration with VW Brazil, where that market has a similarly packaged Tera product, the Tengo has been specifically developed, including gaining a more robust suspension setup than that car, to best suit the South African market and, indeed, other key markets in Africa.
Watch: Exclusive first look at SA-built VW Tengo compact SUV
We were afforded an exclusive first look at the SA-built Tengo at Plant Kariega. CAR Editor Ian McLaren highlights the new VW compact SUV...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
South African new vehicle sales for August: These were the top 15 manufacturers
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued on its solid growth trajectory in August 2026, with overall sales increasing by 11.4% versus the same month in 2025.
According to Naamsa, a total of 57,898 units were sold last month, with the new passenger vehicle market accounting for 41,216 units and light commercial vehicles totalling 13,727 units. These segments grew by 11.6% and 11.7%, respectively, while the medium and heavy commercial segments, with nominal sales of 805 and 2,150 units, grew by 16.3% and 10.1%, respectively.
A total of 81.8% of new vehicle sales took place through dealer channels, while the rental industry accounted for 13.4%, followed by government and industry corporate sales at 2.4% each.
NEV sales surge
New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) are also rapidly increasing their share, accounting for 4.4% of new vehicle registrations year-to-date, with sales having increased by 88% versus the corresponding period in 2025. Hybrids account for the bulk of NEVs sold in 2026, at 8,078 units, versus 5,851 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and 2,360 battery electric vehicles (EVs).
Toyota, Suzuki top the charts
Toyota enjoyed a particularly strong sales month, with a grand total of 14,142 sales, giving the carmaker a market share of 23.9%. The Toyota Hilux retained its position as the country’s best-selling vehicle, with a total volume of 3,881 units in August. On the manufacturer podium, Suzuki Auto narrowly ousted Volkswagen, while Hyundai and Ford made up the top five.
15 top-selling manufacturers: August 2026
Toyota - 14,142
Suzuki Auto - 5,994
Volkswagen - 5,799
Hyundai - 3,058
Ford - 2,927
Chery Auto - 2,709
GWM SA - 2,504
Isuzu Motors - 2,435
Jetour - 2,034
Kia SA - 1,920
Omoda & Jaecoo - 1,502
Mahindra - 1,458
Renault - 1,360
BMW Group - 1,256
BYD - 860
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued on its solid growth trajectory in August 2026, with overall sales increasing by 11.4% versus the same month in 2025.
According to Naamsa, a total of 57,898 units were sold last month, with the new passenger vehicle market accounting for 41,216 units and light commercial vehicles totalling 13,727 units. These segments grew by 11.6% and 11.7%, respectively, while the medium and heavy commercial segments, with nominal sales of 805 and 2,150 units, grew by 16.3% and 10.1%, respectively.
A total of 81.8% of new vehicle sales took place through dealer channels, while the rental industry accounted for 13.4%, followed by government and industry corporate sales at 2.4% each.
NEV sales surge
New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) are also rapidly increasing their share, accounting for 4.4% of new vehicle registrations year-to-date, with sales having increased by 88% versus the corresponding period in 2025. Hybrids account for the bulk of NEVs sold in 2026, at 8,078 units, versus 5,851 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and 2,360 battery electric vehicles (EVs).
Toyota, Suzuki top the charts
Toyota enjoyed a particularly strong sales month, with a grand total of 14,142 sales, giving the carmaker a market share of 23.9%. The Toyota Hilux retained its position as the country’s best-selling vehicle, with a total volume of 3,881 units in August. On the manufacturer podium, Suzuki Auto narrowly ousted Volkswagen, while Hyundai and Ford made up the top five.
15 top-selling manufacturers: August 2026
Toyota - 14,142
Suzuki Auto - 5,994
Volkswagen - 5,799
Hyundai - 3,058
Ford - 2,927
Chery Auto - 2,709
GWM SA - 2,504
Isuzu Motors - 2,435
Jetour - 2,034
Kia SA - 1,920
Omoda & Jaecoo - 1,502
Mahindra - 1,458
Renault - 1,360
BMW Group - 1,256
BYD - 860
Dafuq? Articles from other outlets said Ford moved 3 202 units?!
Binary_Bark
Forging
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Ordinary South Africans not present in safer cars AA forum — it’s a problem
For a discussion about the democratisation of vehicle safety in Africa, there was a distinct lack of community voices present at the AA and Global Ncap Forum for Safer Mobility that took place in Cape…
www.dailymaverick.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA – August 2026
Naamsa has released the new-car sales figures for August 2026. We highlight the top 10 best-selling car brands in SA in the eighth month of the year.
Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA in August 2026
In terms of sales, in August 2026, Toyota was once again the leading car brand in SA, with the Japanese automaker’s local arm moving 13 814 new vehicles in the eighth month of the year. Suzuki Auto South Africa placed second, with 6 505 units sold. Volkswagen Group Africa placed third on the podium, with 5 668 units sold.
Toyota — 13 814
Suzuki — 6 505
Volkswagen — 5 668
Ford — 3 202
Hyundai — 3 034
Chery — 2 763
GWM — 2 594
Isuzu — 2 531
Jetour — 1 952
Kia — 1 783
www.carmag.co.za
Naamsa has released the new-car sales figures for August 2026. We highlight the top 10 best-selling car brands in SA in the eighth month of the year.
Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA in August 2026
In terms of sales, in August 2026, Toyota was once again the leading car brand in SA, with the Japanese automaker’s local arm moving 13 814 new vehicles in the eighth month of the year. Suzuki Auto South Africa placed second, with 6 505 units sold. Volkswagen Group Africa placed third on the podium, with 5 668 units sold.
Toyota — 13 814
Suzuki — 6 505
Volkswagen — 5 668
Ford — 3 202
Hyundai — 3 034
Chery — 2 763
GWM — 2 594
Isuzu — 2 531
Jetour — 1 952
Kia — 1 783
Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA - August 2026
We take a closer look at the 10 best-selling car brands in South Africa in August 2026. See the list below...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Tiggo 4 nips at Vivo’s heels! SA’s best-selling cars in August 2026
The VW Polo Vivo retained the title of SA’s best-selling passenger car in August 2026, but the Chery Tiggo 4 Cross was a mere 54 units behind. Here are all the figures…
- SA-built Polo Vivo retains first place
- Tiggo 4 Cross posts highest total yet
- Ertiga climbs 2 rankings to 7th spot
- Starlet Cross returns to the top 10
- Polo hatch makes top 15 appearance
In August 2026, South Africa’s total new-vehicle sales increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, with the local new passenger-vehicle market growing 11.6% to 41 216 units. So, which passenger cars were top of the sales charts in Mzansi last month?
Well, before we dive into the top 10, it’s worth noting rental sales accounted for a substantial 17.2% (or 7 086 units) of the passenger-vehicle market’s total for August. A further 468 units were sold to government, while 982 units were reported as so-called “single” registrations (vehicles the respective brands kept for their own use).
Chery Tiggo 4 Cross right on VW Polo Vivo’s tail
Though the Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained the title of SA’s best-selling passenger car in August 2026, the Kariega-built hatchback finished just 54 units clear of its nearest rival. In the end, local registrations of the Polo Vivo – excluding 28 units of the Xpress-badged panel van sold in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment – declined 7.4% month on month to 2 351 units. As many as 583 units were sold via the rental channel.
Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 4 Cross (note that the Tiggo 4 Pro has quietly been put out to pasture in South Africa) was right on the Polo Vivo’s tail, ending the month on a total of 2 297 units – some 8.9% higher than its July 2026 effort. According to our records, that’s the Tiggo 4 range’s best-ever single-month total in Mzansi, aided by some 245 sales to the rental industry.
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in August 2026
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo (excluding LCV) – 2 351 units
2. Chery Tiggo 4 Cross – 2 297 units
3. Suzuki Swift – 2 152 units
4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 489 units
5. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 432 units
6. Toyota Starlet – 1 359 units
7. Suzuki Ertiga – 1 317 units
8. GWM Haval Jolion – 1 261 units
9. Toyota Starlet Cross – 1 015 units
10. Suzuki Fronx – 970 units
The VW Polo Vivo retained the title of SA’s best-selling passenger car in August 2026, but the Chery Tiggo 4 Cross was a mere 54 units behind. Here are all the figures…
- SA-built Polo Vivo retains first place
- Tiggo 4 Cross posts highest total yet
- Ertiga climbs 2 rankings to 7th spot
- Starlet Cross returns to the top 10
- Polo hatch makes top 15 appearance
In August 2026, South Africa’s total new-vehicle sales increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, with the local new passenger-vehicle market growing 11.6% to 41 216 units. So, which passenger cars were top of the sales charts in Mzansi last month?
Well, before we dive into the top 10, it’s worth noting rental sales accounted for a substantial 17.2% (or 7 086 units) of the passenger-vehicle market’s total for August. A further 468 units were sold to government, while 982 units were reported as so-called “single” registrations (vehicles the respective brands kept for their own use).
Chery Tiggo 4 Cross right on VW Polo Vivo’s tail
Though the Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained the title of SA’s best-selling passenger car in August 2026, the Kariega-built hatchback finished just 54 units clear of its nearest rival. In the end, local registrations of the Polo Vivo – excluding 28 units of the Xpress-badged panel van sold in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment – declined 7.4% month on month to 2 351 units. As many as 583 units were sold via the rental channel.
Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 4 Cross (note that the Tiggo 4 Pro has quietly been put out to pasture in South Africa) was right on the Polo Vivo’s tail, ending the month on a total of 2 297 units – some 8.9% higher than its July 2026 effort. According to our records, that’s the Tiggo 4 range’s best-ever single-month total in Mzansi, aided by some 245 sales to the rental industry.
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in August 2026
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo (excluding LCV) – 2 351 units
2. Chery Tiggo 4 Cross – 2 297 units
3. Suzuki Swift – 2 152 units
4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 489 units
5. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 432 units
6. Toyota Starlet – 1 359 units
7. Suzuki Ertiga – 1 317 units
8. GWM Haval Jolion – 1 261 units
9. Toyota Starlet Cross – 1 015 units
10. Suzuki Fronx – 970 units
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Top 10 best-selling passenger cars in South Africa – August 2026
Naamsa has released the new-car sales figures for August 2026. We take a closer look at the top 10 best-selling passenger cars in SA in the eighth month of the year.
In August 2026, 57 898 new vehicles were sold in South Africa, with naamsa, the Automotive Business Council of SA, noting that this figure signifies an aggregate year-on-year increase of 11.4%. Zooming in on the passenger-car segment, a total of 41 216 new passenger cars found homes in the eighth month of the year – an increase of 11.7%, or 4 268 units, over August 2025.
Top 10 best-selling passenger cars in SA in August 2026
Topping the chart of best-selling passenger cars in SA in August 2026, 2 351 new Volkswagen Polo Vivo units left showroom floors. The SA-built hatchback, which will soon be joined by the Tengo compact SUV on VW’s Plant Kariega production line, was followed by the Chery Tiggo 4/Cross, which accumulated 2 297 sales. Rounding out the podium, 2 152 new Suzuki Swift units were sold in August 2026.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo — 2 351 units
Chery Tiggo 4/Cross — 2 297 units
Suzuki Swift — 2 152 units
Toyota Corolla Cross — 1 489 units
Hyundai Grand i10 — 1 432 units
Toyota Starlet — 1 359 units
Suzuki Ertiga — 1 317 units
Haval Jolion — 1 261 units
Toyota Starlet Cross — 1 015 units
Suzuki Fronx — 970 units
www.carmag.co.za
Naamsa has released the new-car sales figures for August 2026. We take a closer look at the top 10 best-selling passenger cars in SA in the eighth month of the year.
In August 2026, 57 898 new vehicles were sold in South Africa, with naamsa, the Automotive Business Council of SA, noting that this figure signifies an aggregate year-on-year increase of 11.4%. Zooming in on the passenger-car segment, a total of 41 216 new passenger cars found homes in the eighth month of the year – an increase of 11.7%, or 4 268 units, over August 2025.
Top 10 best-selling passenger cars in SA in August 2026
Topping the chart of best-selling passenger cars in SA in August 2026, 2 351 new Volkswagen Polo Vivo units left showroom floors. The SA-built hatchback, which will soon be joined by the Tengo compact SUV on VW’s Plant Kariega production line, was followed by the Chery Tiggo 4/Cross, which accumulated 2 297 sales. Rounding out the podium, 2 152 new Suzuki Swift units were sold in August 2026.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo — 2 351 units
Chery Tiggo 4/Cross — 2 297 units
Suzuki Swift — 2 152 units
Toyota Corolla Cross — 1 489 units
Hyundai Grand i10 — 1 432 units
Toyota Starlet — 1 359 units
Suzuki Ertiga — 1 317 units
Haval Jolion — 1 261 units
Toyota Starlet Cross — 1 015 units
Suzuki Fronx — 970 units
Top 10 best-selling passenger cars in South Africa - August 2026
We've rounded up the top 10 best-selling passenger cars in South Africa in August 2026. See the list below...
www.carmag.co.za
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Forging
Volkswagen board approves plan to cut another 50,000 jobs
Volkswagen board approves plan to cut another 50,000 jobs
The group - which includes Audi, Porsche, Skoda as well as the VW brand - plans to cut a total of 100,000 by 2030.
www.bbc.com
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Volkswagen confirms biggest global jobs bloodbath in automotive history - but will SA be affected?
Volkswagen is about to embark on the biggest restructuring ever seen in the global automotive industry.
On Thursday, management and unions agreed to cut a total of 100,000 jobs by the end of the decade, AFP reported, which is 50,000 more than originally planned. This will effectively cut its global workforce by around 15%.
The company also said it was exploring alternatives for four of its German plants - those in Hannover, Emden, Zwickau and Neckarsulm - as their futures could not be guaranteed.
The restructuring plan has also seen tensions arise between the company and its unions. The carmaker has agreed to reduce the supervisory board’s power by adjusting the two-thirds approval threshold for major plant decisions, potentially weakening unions’ ability to block closures. However, union representatives and Lower Saxony said no plant closures had been approved as part of the compromise.
How could this affect South Africa?
At this stage, there is no indication of how the restructuring plan could affect South Africa’s Kariega plant. However, it is highly unlikely that any jobs will be shed in the near-term, as the plant recently set an all-time production record on the back of its lucrative Volkswagen Polo export programme.
In July, the VWSA plant produced 17,009 vehicles, beating its previous record of 16,670 units set in July 2025.
Volkswagen is about to embark on the biggest restructuring ever seen in the global automotive industry.
On Thursday, management and unions agreed to cut a total of 100,000 jobs by the end of the decade, AFP reported, which is 50,000 more than originally planned. This will effectively cut its global workforce by around 15%.
The company also said it was exploring alternatives for four of its German plants - those in Hannover, Emden, Zwickau and Neckarsulm - as their futures could not be guaranteed.
The restructuring plan has also seen tensions arise between the company and its unions. The carmaker has agreed to reduce the supervisory board’s power by adjusting the two-thirds approval threshold for major plant decisions, potentially weakening unions’ ability to block closures. However, union representatives and Lower Saxony said no plant closures had been approved as part of the compromise.
How could this affect South Africa?
At this stage, there is no indication of how the restructuring plan could affect South Africa’s Kariega plant. However, it is highly unlikely that any jobs will be shed in the near-term, as the plant recently set an all-time production record on the back of its lucrative Volkswagen Polo export programme.
In July, the VWSA plant produced 17,009 vehicles, beating its previous record of 16,670 units set in July 2025.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Top 5 best-selling bakkies in South Africa – August 2026
Naamsa has released the August 2026 new-car sales figures. Here’s the five best-selling bakkies in SA in the eighth month of the year…
Top 5 best-selling bakkies in SA in August 2026
Maintaining a strong lead in the local bakkie segment, the Toyota Hilux, of which we sampled the ninth generation in Namibia in June 2026, topped the chart of five best-selling bakkies in SA in August. In the eighth month of the year, 3 881 new Hilux units left showroom floors. Registering 2 372 sales, the Ford Ranger placed second, with the Isuzu D-Max rounding out the podium. In August, Isuzu moved 2 005 new D-Max units.
Toyota Hilux — 3 881 units
Ford Ranger — 2 372 units
Isuzu D-Max — 2 005 units
Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up — 612 units
GWM P-Series — 588 units
www.carmag.co.za
Naamsa has released the August 2026 new-car sales figures. Here’s the five best-selling bakkies in SA in the eighth month of the year…
Top 5 best-selling bakkies in SA in August 2026
Maintaining a strong lead in the local bakkie segment, the Toyota Hilux, of which we sampled the ninth generation in Namibia in June 2026, topped the chart of five best-selling bakkies in SA in August. In the eighth month of the year, 3 881 new Hilux units left showroom floors. Registering 2 372 sales, the Ford Ranger placed second, with the Isuzu D-Max rounding out the podium. In August, Isuzu moved 2 005 new D-Max units.
Toyota Hilux — 3 881 units
Ford Ranger — 2 372 units
Isuzu D-Max — 2 005 units
Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up — 612 units
GWM P-Series — 588 units
Top 5 best-selling bakkies in South Africa - August 2026
Naamsa has released the August 2026 new-car sales figures. Here’s the five best-selling bakkies in SA in the eighth month of the year…
www.carmag.co.za
Traditional manufacturer's are reaching the finding out stage of their decades long price gouging.