The South African new vehicle market has been on a strong upward trajectory in 2025, achieving its ninth consecutive month of year-on-year growth in June. This continued momentum shows the resilience and adaptability of the local automotive sector, supported by both consumer confidence and the growing availability of affordable, imported cars.
In this article, we break down the latest sales figures, explore the best-selling brands, and offer practical insights for South African drivers.
South Africa’s Vehicle Market Performance: June 2025 Snapshot
In June 2025, the South African automotive industry recorded an impressive 18.7% increase in new vehicle sales compared to the same month in 2024. A total of 47,294 new vehicles were sold, marking a 4.4% rise from May 2025.
According to industry body Naamsa, this steady growth is largely driven by strong consumer and fleet demand. So far, South Africa has sold 278,911 new vehicles in the first half of 2025, a significant 13.6% increase compared to the same period last year.
For those looking to keep up with the latest automotive trends, reviews, and travel guides, iMoto News is an excellent source of in-depth, up-to-date automotive information.
Also, if you’re considering buying a car, whether new or pre-owned, check out these useful tips on choosing the right car for South African roads.
Growth in Passenger and Light Commercial Vehicle Segments
The passenger vehicle market has performed remarkably well, increasing by 21.7% year-on-year in June 2025 to reach 32,570 units sold. Notably, about 10.7% of these sales came from the rental vehicle sector, highlighting a steady demand in the tourism and mobility services industries.
Meanwhile, the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment—which includes popular bakkies and delivery vans—saw a 14.9% year-on-year increase, with 12,129 units sold in June.
If you’re looking for reliable used bakkies and passenger cars, Auto24 has a wide range of vehicles perfect for South African roads, including the ever-popular Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and the durable Volkswagen Polo Vivo. You can browse their current listings here.
You can also find practical maintenance advice for high-mileage vehicles, which is particularly useful if you’re considering buying a used car.
South African Vehicle Export Trends
Despite ongoing geopolitical and trade-related challenges, South Africa’s vehicle exports remain resilient, increasing by 7.9% year-on-year in June 2025 to 36,343 units. Exports for the year to date are 2.6% higher than in the first half of 2024.
South Africa’s vehicle manufacturing industry continues to play a significant role in supporting local employment and contributing to international markets, particularly in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.
For more in-depth coverage of automotive exports and international market dynamics, visit iMoto News.
Best-Selling Automakers in South Africa: June 2025
Here are South Africa’s top 10 best-selling automakers for June 2025:
- Toyota – 11,690 units
- Suzuki – 5,221 units
- Volkswagen Group (including Audi) – 4,973 units
- Ford – 3,058 units
- Hyundai – 2,905 units
- GWM (Great Wall Motors) – 2,288 units
- Chery – 2,101 units
- Isuzu – 2,087 units
- Mahindra – 1,483 units
- BMW Group (including Mini) – 1,349 units
Toyota continues to lead the pack, offering a mix of reliability and affordability that South African drivers trust. Suzuki and Volkswagen also remain consistent favorites thanks to their fuel efficiency and lower running costs.
Explore used options from these brands on Auto24 to find budget-friendly choices with proven performance on local roads.
If you’re curious about how the market performed in previous months, read our full sales summaries here.
Practical Car Care Tips for South African Drivers
Whether you drive a new or used car, proper maintenance is key to ensuring safety and long-term reliability. Here are some South Africa-specific car care tips:
- Tyre Maintenance: With the mix of gravel, tar, and pothole-ridden roads, regularly check your tyre pressure and condition. Rotate your tyres every 8,000 to 10,000 km to extend their lifespan.
- Protect Against Dust and Heat: Dusty conditions and intense heat can damage paint and clog air filters. Wash your car regularly and ensure your air filters are checked during every service.
- Battery Health: Hot temperatures can shorten battery life. Inspect the battery terminals regularly for corrosion and make sure they are securely fastened.
- Brake System Care: Frequent city driving and road trips require well-maintained brakes. Have your brake pads, discs, and brake fluid checked at least twice a year.
- Regular Servicing: Whether you’re buying a new vehicle or a second-hand option from Auto24, regular servicing at recommended intervals is crucial to maintain vehicle efficiency and performance.
For more detailed vehicle maintenance guides, visit iMoto News.
Outlook for the Rest of 2025
Looking ahead, Naamsa forecasts that the South African vehicle market will continue to perform strongly, but potential economic pressures like interest rate adjustments and supply chain disruptions may present new challenges.
South African buyers are increasingly favoring affordable cars with advanced features. Brands that offer good value for money—like Suzuki, Chery, and GWM—are expected to continue gaining popularity.
You can find some of these affordable models currently listed on Auto24, where options like the Suzuki Swift, Chery Tiggo, and GWM P-Series are available at competitive prices.
To explore more on how these trends might evolve, follow iMoto News for the latest market updates.
Final Thoughts
South Africa’s automotive industry continues to thrive, offering buyers a variety of both new and used options that suit different budgets and driving needs. Whether you’re purchasing your first car, upgrading, or looking for a reliable used bakkie, it’s crucial to stay informed and make choices that best suit South African road conditions.
Be sure to browse the latest listings for affordable used cars and bakkies on Auto24, and stay connected with iMoto News for expert reviews, driving tips, and automotive trend
