The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) released its second Automotive Trade Manual 2025 publication, previously published by naamsa under the banner of the Automotive Industry Export Council [AIEC].
This iconic publication is the official source of all automotive trade data and other relevant information about the automotive industry in South Africa.
In a taxing year, the domestic automotive industry in 2024, for the first time since the 2020 pandemic, encountered a modest downturn in both domestic new-vehicle sales and vehicle exports. This can be attributed to several factors, including persistent inflationary pressures, climate effects on operations and geopolitical instability.
Despite a stronger year-end performance supported by strong seasonal sales to the vehicle rental industry, easing inflation and two interest rate cuts, new vehicle sales decreased by 3.0% to 515 850 units in 2024, compared to the 531 552 units sold in 2023.
The confluence of positive economic indicators and the resilience of the passenger car segment during the last quarter of 2024 suggest a potential rebound for the new-vehicle market in 2025 to return to the pre-pandemic level after five years.
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.
More news from Local Industry
