The Reserve Bank (SARB) has announced a 25-basis-point cut to the repo rate, reducing it to 7%. As a result, the prime lending rate for commercial banks will drop to 10.50%.
“The National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) welcomes this decision, which offers meaningful relief to consumers and businesses alike in a persistently challenging economic climate. Lower interest rates enhance vehicle affordability and will help energise demand in both the new and pre-owned vehicle markets, particularly in cost-sensitive segments,” says Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of NADA.
The rate cut comes amid heightened global uncertainty, with South Africa facing the prospect of export tariffs as high as 30% following an impending trade deadline set by the United States. While broader economic challenges remain, SARB’s decision sends a positive signal and may help strengthen domestic resilience.
Brandon notes that although this may be the final window for monetary easing in the near term, with inflation having remained within SARB’s 3% to 6% target range for nine consecutive months, the cut is a step in the right direction. “The automotive retail sector remains resilient, and dealers continue to support customers through tailored finance solutions and value-driven offerings,” he adds.
A dispute over the payload ratings of Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUVs has developed further following weighbridge testing in Gauteng, with the Automobile Association (AA) questioning some of the results and Jetour South Africa maintaining that its revised figures have been independently verified.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
Ford has broadened its Tourneo Custom line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the new Kombi and the flagship Titanium X AWD.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
A dispute over the payload ratings of Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUVs has developed further following weighbridge testing in Gauteng, with the Automobile Association (AA) questioning some of the results and Jetour South Africa maintaining that its revised figures have been independently verified.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
South African consumers face growing pressure on household finances after the South African Reserve Bank raises interest rates, adding to a range of rising costs that are already influencing vehicle purchasing decisions.
