South Africa's new vehicle sales continued to show resilience in September 2026, despite macroeconomic challenges such as higher oil prices and rising inflation fears. According to Naamsa, the domestic new vehicle market sold a total of 61,645 units, a 12.7% increase compared to the 54,706 vehicles sold in September 2025. This growth is notable given the higher borrowing costs, persistent inflationary pressures, and subdued economic growth.
The new passenger car market recorded 44,291 units, an increase of 14.7% compared to the 38,615 units sold in the corresponding period last year. Sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses amounted to 14,361 units, 9.6% more than the 13,099 sold in September 2025. These numbers indicate a continued recovery in the local automotive market.
Exports, however, remained under pressure, with sales at 31,473 units during the month, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 18.8%. This decline in exports is a concern for the industry, which has been working to increase its global footprint.
Naamsa highlights a notable acceleration in consumer adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs). During the first eight months of 2026, cumulative NEV sales reached 18,945 units, already surpassing the 16,703 units recorded during the entire 2025 calendar year by 13.4%. This growth is driven by fuel shocks, with some households investing in a second car, even if it is not fully electric but a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which saves on fuel costs for city driving.
For the year-to-date, approximately one in every twenty new vehicles sold in South Africa is now electrified, according to Naamsa. This trend is expected to continue, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of NEVs and government incentives to support their adoption.
In the new vehicle sales stats for September, Toyota remains South Africa's top brand, with over 15,000 vehicles sold. The battle for second place between Suzuki and Volkswagen continues, with Suzuki recording 6,668 units and VW selling 700 less than the Japanese carmaker. The top 10 selling vehicle brands in SA for September 2026 include Ford Motor Company, Hyundai Automotive SA, Isuzu Motors SA, Chery Auto SA, GWM SA, Jetour SA, and Kia SA.
According to motoring journalist Melinda Ferguson, the growth in NEV sales is driven by fuel shocks, with households investing in second cars that are more fuel-efficient. This trend is expected to continue, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of NEVs and government incentives to support their adoption. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers respond to changing consumer preferences.
Key points
- South Africa's new vehicle sales rose 12.7% in September 2026, with 61,645 units sold.
- New energy vehicle sales have accelerated, with 18,945 units sold in the first eight months of 2026.
- Toyota remains South Africa's top brand, with over 15,000 vehicles sold in September 2026.
