South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a landmark performance in 2025, finally recovering above 2019 pre pandemic levels and reaching highs not seen in a decade.
This upward swing, closely tied to broader economic improvements, was significantly buoyed by a cumulative 150 basis points in interest rate cuts since September 2024, record low vehicle inflation, an influx of affordable model imports, and the liquidity injection from the two pot retirement system withdrawals, says the Automotive Business Council | naamsa.
The new vehicle market recorded a strong conclusion to the year in December 2025, with aggregate industry new vehicle sales reaching 48 983 units, an increase of 7 882 vehicles compared to the 41 101 units recorded in December 2024. This year end momentum coincided with festive cheer as consumer confidence showed a notable improvement in the fourth quarter and marked the highest reading of the year.
The December 2025 new passenger car market reflected a sound performance with a year-on-year volume increase of 20,3%, while light commercial vehicles recorded a gain of 23,7%. Truck and bus sales, however, ended the year on a weaker note, with medium commercial vehicles decreasing year on year by 7%, while heavy trucks and buses declined year on year by 13,2%.
Vehicle export sales in December 2025 reached 26 852 units, reflecting a decrease of 10,4% compared to the 29 955 vehicles exported during December 2024.
Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 48 983 vehicles, an estimated 44 486 units or 90,8% represented dealer sales, 6,3% went to the rental industry, 1,9% to government, and 1% to industry corporate fleets.
More results: AVAF Infographic December 2025
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Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
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.
