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Zawya
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
South Africa new vehicle sales surge
South Africa's new vehicle market maintained strong domestic demand in June 2025, closing the month with 47,294 units sold — an 18.7% increase from the 39,850 vehicles sold in June 2024. This growth reflects a broad-based recovery in both consumer and fleet purchases, according to the latest data from Naamsa. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles Passenger cars led the growth, with 32,570 new units sold in June — a 21.7% increase compared to June last year. Rental car sales accounted for 10.7% of this segment. Meanwhile, new light commercial vehicle sales, including bakkies and minibuses, grew by 14.9% to 12,129 units. Medium commercial truck sales rose 24.7% to 652 units, while heavy truck and bus sales saw a slight decline of 3.1%, with 1,943 units sold in June 2025. Year-to-date performance and imports For the first half of 2025, new vehicle sales are 13.6% higher than the same period in 2024, a performance largely driven by a rise in affordable imported models. Light vehicle imports increased by 25.6% among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and by 33.4% through independent importers. However, sales of locally manufactured vehicles declined by 14% year-on-year in the same period. Economic factors supporting demand Economic factors have supported this sustained growth. The South African Reserve Bank's 25 basis point interest rate cut in May 2025, low inflation remaining at 2.8% year-on-year, and improved access to credit have all contributed to consumer confidence and purchasing power. Business confidence and export concerns Despite the strong sales figures, the second quarter of 2025 revealed some caution among business leaders. The BER Business Confidence Index dropped to 40 in Q2 — down five points from the first quarter — reflecting concerns over political stability and global uncertainty. Even new vehicle dealers expressed unease despite positive sales trends, highlighting anxieties over longer-term risks. South African vehicle exports rose by 7.9% in June to 36,343 units compared to last year. However, ongoing trade negotiations, especially with the United States, remain a concern. The expiration of a 90-day trade reprieve in early July adds uncertainty over South Africa's access to this key market. Outlook and upcoming industry events Domestic demand is expected to remain strong for the rest of 2025, buoyed by interest rate relief and consumer preference for affordable, well-equipped vehicles. Recent improvements in consumer confidence among middle- and high-income groups support this outlook. As Naamsa marks its 90th anniversary, focus shifts to SA Auto Week 2025, scheduled for 1–3 October in the Eastern Cape. The event will bring together industry stakeholders to discuss investment, innovation, and the future of the South African automotive sector. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
South Africa new vehicle sales climb 22% in May as interest rate cut boosts confidence
South Africa's new vehicle market recorded strong growth in May 2025, with total sales rising 22% year-on-year to 45,308 units. The performance followed a long-anticipated 25 basis point cut in the repo rate by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), a policy shift welcomed by the automotive sector as a boost to affordability, investment and industrial resilience. New passenger car sales reached 31,741 units in May, up 30% from 24,419 units in May 2024. Light commercial vehicles, including bakkies and minibuses, increased 5.8% to 10,938 units. Medium and heavy truck segments also posted solid gains, with medium commercial vehicles rising 22.7% to 660 units and heavy trucks and buses up 6.7% to 1,969 units. Dealer sales accounted for 88.4% of May volumes, with the vehicle rental industry representing 6.8%, corporate fleets 3.0%, and government 1.8%. Car rental alone made up 8.5% of new passenger car sales during the month. The SARB's action comes as inflation eases to 2.8%—below the 3%–6% target range—while the rand strengthens amid improved investor sentiment. Lower interest rates are expected to reduce borrowing costs for both consumers and manufacturers, encouraging capital expenditure, tooling upgrades and model retooling across the automotive value chain. Exports, however, fell 14.6% year-on-year to 30,112 units in May, down from 35,277 in May 2024. The decline was attributed to a major OEM halting production from mid-April to mid-May for facility upgrades ahead of a new model rollout. Year-to-date, export volumes remained 1.4% ahead of the same period last year. Naamsa also welcomed the ongoing discussions between National Treasury and the SARB on potentially lowering the official inflation target midpoint from 4.5% to 3.0%. A structurally lower inflation environment could support sustained rate cuts, improving affordability for consumers and competitiveness for exporters.
