Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in January 2026, at 50 073 units, reflected an increase of 3 479 vehicles, or a gain of 7,5%, compared to the 46 594 units sold in January 2025. Export sales rose to 24 568 units, representing a gain of 136 vehicles, or 0,6%, compared to the 24 432 units exported in January 2025.

Naamsa notes that the January 2026 performance reflects not merely a carry‑over or base effect, but a material improvement in underlying demand conditions, supported by moderating inflation, stable macroeconomic variables, and a resilient consumer base.

Of the total reported industry sales of 50 073 vehicles, an estimated 42 753 units, or 85,4%, represented dealer sales. Approximately 10,9% went to the rental industry, 2,1% to corporate fleets, and 1,6% to government.

The January 2026 new passenger car market at 37 190 units recorded an increase of 2 480 vehicles, or 7,1%, compared to the 34 710 cars sold in January 2025. Car rental sales accounted for 13,3% of new passenger vehicles sold during the month. Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles (bakkies and mini‑buses) at 10 996 units recorded an 11% increase compared to the 9 903 units sold in January 2025. Naamsa observed that demand for light commercial vehicles continues to track broader conditions in the goods‑producing sectors of the economy, which remain constrained but show signs of gradual stabilisation.

Sales in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments reflected weaker performance in January 2026. Medium commercial vehicle sales at 542 units represented a 5,9% year‑on‑year decrease, while heavy trucks and buses at 1 345 units reflected a 4,3% decline compared to January 2025. Fleet replacement decisions remain closely linked to infrastructure investment trends, logistics performance, electricity costs, and confidence in the broader investment outlook.

January 2026 vehicle export sales at 24 568 units reflected a year‑on‑year increase of 136 vehicles, or 0,6%, compared to the 24 432 units exported in the corresponding month last year. The export performance was supported by currency stability and easing imported input cost pressures. However, naamsa cautioned that the export outlook is increasingly shaped by heightened protectionism across several of South Africa’s key export markets.

Naamsa reflects that the proliferation of trade‑restrictive measures and evolving industrial policies in advanced economies continue to test South Africa’s automotive export competitiveness and market access conditions.

Furthermore, deepening trade and industrial arrangements between Western and Eastern economies, including preferential trade agreements, regional content rules, and strategic supply chain realignments, are expected to pose upward risks to South Africa’s vehicle export competitiveness and market share in certain traditional export destinations.

These developments underscore the growing importance of cost competitiveness and policy certainty in sustaining South Africa’s export performance over the medium to long term.

Looking ahead, naamsa emphasises that the industry awaits with pressing anticipation the finalisation of the comprehensive review of South Africa’s automotive policy framework, which is crucial for the sector’s long‑term competitiveness, investment attractiveness, and resilience.

In an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global automotive environment, characterised by technological disruption, shifting trade alliances, and accelerated energy transition pathways, a coherent, forward‑looking policy framework remains critical to secure South Africa’s position within global and regional automotive value chains.

More results here: Vehicle sales January 2026