Recall is the name of the safety game
Volkswagen’s popular locally build Polo Vivo is the latest vehicle in South Africa to be recalled this year.
- Industry News
- 6 March 2026
Of the 262 281 new light vehicles (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles) that were imported to South Africa in 2021, a staggering 49.3%, came from India.
The remaining portion was imported from 23 other countries, including Japan, China and Germany.
Imports of these vehicles increased from 203 572 units in 2020 to 262 281 units in 2021 – an increase of 28.8%.
Passenger car imports accounted for 78.3% of the total passenger car sales of 340 340 units, while light commercial vehicle imports accounted for 18.1% of total light commercial vehicle sales of 133 078 units.
In the resulting competition between imported and locally manufactured vehicles, South African consumers were the winners as they were spoiled for choice at competitive prices.
The top counties of origin for vehicles imported into South Africa were:
1. India (Tata, Mahindra)
2. Japan (Honda, Toyota, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Datsun, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, Lexus)
3. China (Baic, Haval, Foton)
4. Germany (Peugeot, Smart, Renault, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, Volvo, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Fiat, Mini, Alfa Romeo, Land Rover
Volkswagen’s popular locally build Polo Vivo is the latest vehicle in South Africa to be recalled this year.
Lexus South Africa new RZ, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV), has arrived on local shores.
Chery’s luxury brand, a stand-alone nameplate has arrived in South Africa with more larger models (L8) that will be added to the Lepas line-up later.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
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Volkswagen’s popular locally build Polo Vivo is the latest vehicle in South Africa to be recalled this year.
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