South Africa’s automotive market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growing sales and rising interest in newer brands. Among them, Foton has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 7 000 vehicles sold locally within just two years of re‑entering the market.
The company’s momentum reflects broader shifts in consumer behaviour. Buyers are increasingly evaluating vehicles on performance, specification and aftersales support rather than country of origin. Gregory Snodgrass, National Sales Manager of Foton South Africa, emphasises that credibility is built through ownership experience, not simply competitive pricing.
Foton’s commercial vehicle line‑up has been central to its success. Between January and July 2026, the brand recorded 3 226 sales, nearly doubling its 2025 tally. The Truckmate surged from 97 units last year to 1 426, while the Tunland range contributed 1 454 units, split between double‑cab and single‑cab models. The Above One‑Ton Single Cab category showed the strongest growth, climbing 210.2% year‑on‑year to 2 035 units.
This performance coincides with a buoyant national market. July 2026 new‑vehicle sales rose 11.9% year‑on‑year to 57 708 units, with medium commercial vehicles up 19.4%. For Foton, whose portfolio is heavily weighted towards commercial models, this environment has provided fertile ground.
Snodgrass notes that South African customers are asking sharper questions about long‑term value, including operating costs, parts availability and warranty support. He stresses that sustained success depends on consistent delivery and investment in infrastructure.
Charging time remains a worry for many South Africans considering an electric vehicle, who still see it as a disruption rather than a quick stop at a filling station. That view is starting to shift.
The winners of the 2026 Automotive Business Council | naamsa Accelerator Awards were announced at the recently held Auto Week 2026, which took place in eThekwini, KZN.
When Cobus Coetzee (photo) accepted the opportunity to join the Morgan Group in Upington, he had to weigh up more than a new position. The move meant exchanging the West Coast’s cooler climate and seaside lifestyle for the Northern Cape’s desert heat, while taking responsibility for a multi-franchise operation spread across several premises.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The winners of the 2026 Automotive Business Council | naamsa Accelerator Awards were announced at the recently held Auto Week 2026, which took place in eThekwini, KZN.
With the steep rise in fuel prices since March this year leading to historic record highs following massive increases in October, the government intervention annouched this week, is widely welcomed.
Omoda has confirmed that the new C4 will become the first model from the Chery Group to be built in South Africa, with production set to take place at the company's Rosslyn manufacturing facility in Gauteng.
