South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a landmark performance in 2025, finally recovering above 2019 pre pandemic levels and reaching highs not seen in a decade.
This upward swing, closely tied to broader economic improvements, was significantly buoyed by a cumulative 150 basis points in interest rate cuts since September 2024, record low vehicle inflation, an influx of affordable model imports, and the liquidity injection from the two pot retirement system withdrawals, says the Automotive Business Council | naamsa.
The new vehicle market recorded a strong conclusion to the year in December 2025, with aggregate industry new vehicle sales reaching 48 983 units, an increase of 7 882 vehicles compared to the 41 101 units recorded in December 2024. This year end momentum coincided with festive cheer as consumer confidence showed a notable improvement in the fourth quarter and marked the highest reading of the year.
The December 2025 new passenger car market reflected a sound performance with a year-on-year volume increase of 20,3%, while light commercial vehicles recorded a gain of 23,7%. Truck and bus sales, however, ended the year on a weaker note, with medium commercial vehicles decreasing year on year by 7%, while heavy trucks and buses declined year on year by 13,2%.
Vehicle export sales in December 2025 reached 26 852 units, reflecting a decrease of 10,4% compared to the 29 955 vehicles exported during December 2024.
Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 48 983 vehicles, an estimated 44 486 units or 90,8% represented dealer sales, 6,3% went to the rental industry, 1,9% to government, and 1% to industry corporate fleets.
More results: AVAF Infographic December 2025
South Africa’s electric vehicle landscape is shifting rapidly as government policy, global market pressure and local investment begin to align. Yet a clear divide remains between the slow uptake of fully electric vehicles (EVs) and the stronger growth in hybrids, reflecting the realities of affordability and infrastructure.
The World Car Finals began with the announcement of the top ten and top five finalists in six World Car Awards vehicle categories.
Nine out of every ten cars sold in December were sold by a dealer, helping to push year-end sales to pre-COVID levels.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
The World Car Finals began with the announcement of the top ten and top five finalists in six World Car Awards vehicle categories.
Nine out of every ten cars sold in December were sold by a dealer, helping to push year-end sales to pre-COVID levels.
Reflecting on the challenges of 2025, the Automotive Business Council | naamsa welcomed the positive economic variables that continued to support consumer spending throughout 2025.
