South Africa’s car dealers buoyed by ongoing strong sales
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
The all-electric SUV secured the top honour ahead of the Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf (electrical vehicle - EV), reinforcing the growing dominance of electrified vehicles at the top end of the global market.
The win is a significant one for BMW, with the iX3 also taking the World Electric Vehicle title, giving the brand a double victory. Judged by nearly 100 international motoring journalists, the awards remain one of the most influential benchmarks in the industry.
Rather than relying on a single standout feature, the iX3 impressed with its overall balance the judges said.
Its electric drivetrain delivers strong performance and a range of over 450km, while fast-charging capability and improved efficiency make it a practical option for everyday use. Combined with a modern, tech-focused interior and SUV versatility, it represents the kind of all-round package that is increasingly defining the segment.
2026 category winners:
Electric vehicles dominated most categories, although not all winners were fully electric:
While EVs dominate, the performance category shows that not every segment is exclusively electric.
Recent World Car of the Year winners:
The shift towards EVs at the top level has been clear over the past few years:
With electric vehicles now winning consistently since 2021, the direction of travel is clear. The BMW iX3’s victory confirms that EVs are no longer emerging contenders, but the established benchmark in the global automotive market.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.
Four years on from re-entering the South African automotive market, Chery has become a consistent top-10 player in local sales, with an average of 50 000 units sold annually, along with a rapidly expanding network of 150 dealers nationwide.