New vehicle sales in Namibia contracted in August, with 1,380 units sold, down from 1,535 units in July. Despite the decline, sales remain higher on a year-on-year basis. According to IJG Securities, 10,760 units were sold year-to-date, up 12.1% over the same period last year. This marks the strongest January-to-August tally since 2015. The August sales decline is the first monthly contraction since May.
The transport division experienced a significant swing from deflation in August 2025 to 13.2% inflation in August 2026. This increase is attributed to the rise in petrol and diesel prices and the partial reversal of the fuel levy cut during the month. IJG Securities analysts note that vehicle purchases remained subdued, indicating that cost pressure lies in running a vehicle rather than buying one. This unique trait is currently protecting in-store sales.
Passenger vehicle sales declined to 634 units in August, down from 755 units sold in July. However, on a year-to-date basis, passenger sales increased 8.7% year-on-year to 4,968 units. In contrast, commercial vehicle sales proved resilient, with 746 units sold in August. Year-to-date sales stand at 5,792 units, indicating sustained business investment. The commercial vehicle segment has been the driving force behind the overall sales growth.
Light commercial vehicles accounted for most of the monthly decline, falling to 615 units. Medium commercial vehicles recovered from a weak July, rising to 30 units, although year-to-date sales of 211 units are marginally below last year. Heavy commercial vehicles were the strongest performer, with 101 units sold during the month. This marks the highest monthly sales level since 1998.
Heavy commercial vehicle sales increased by 24.7% month-on-month and were 165.8% higher than the 38 units recorded in August 2025. Year-to-date, heavy commercial vehicle sales reached 608 units, representing a 51.2% increase from the prior year. This growth reflects sustained activity across the mining, logistics, and construction sectors.
Toyota continued to lead the market across the two largest vehicle segments, accounting for 51.6% of passenger vehicle sales and 67.1% of the light commercial vehicle market. Volkswagen ranked second in the passenger vehicle segment with a 14.3% share. Chinese brands, including Haval, Jetour, and Chery, continued to gain ground, accounting for 5.9%, 5.8%, and 2.3% of the passenger vehicle market, respectively.
In the light commercial segment, Ford and Isuzu remain the closest challengers to Toyota, with 9.5% and 4.6% market shares, respectively. Toyota also leads the medium commercial segment, with Mercedes-Benz following at 16.6%. In the heavy commercial segment, Powerstar leads with 18.4%, narrowly ahead of Shacman on 17.6%. The market share dynamics indicate a competitive landscape, with various brands vying for position.
Key points
- Commercial vehicle sales, particularly heavy commercial vehicles, drove growth in the Namibian vehicle market.
- Toyota maintained its leading position across multiple vehicle segments.
- Despite the August decline, year-to-date sales remain higher than the previous year.
