In what can be considered excellent news for the local automotive industry, the local new vehicle market again delivered a stellar performance last year, recovering above 2019 pre pandemic levels and reaching new highs not seen recently.
This upward swing, closely tied to broader economic improvements, was significantly buoyed by a cumulative 150 bps 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 in a statement.
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 7,0%, 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 1,0% to industry corporate fleets.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
