The easing inflation, meaningful fuel price relief, a more accommodative interest-rate environment, and a strengthened sovereign risk profile following South Africa’s first credit rating upgrade in nearly two decades are all contributing to this, says the Automotive Business Council | naamsa.

Export volumes decreased but remained resilient in view of softer global demand conditions and renewed geopolitical tensions.

Aggregate domestic new-vehicle sales reached 54 896 units in November 2025, increasing by 6 113 units, or 12.5%, compared to the 48 783 units recorded in November 2024. Year-to-date, the new vehicle market was 15.4% ahead of the corresponding period in 2024, underscoring consistent gains in consumer and business activity through the year.

Of the total industry sales of 54 896 units, an estimated 43 702 units, or 79.6%, represented dealer sales; 16.3% went to the rental industry; 2.4% to government; and 1.7% to industry corporate fleets.

The new passenger car market recorded 39 158 units, an increase of 3 871 units, or 11%, compared to 35 287 units sold in November 2024. Car rental sales remained central contributors to passenger volumes, accounting for 21.2% of sales as the sector prepares for peak holiday demand.

Domestic sales of light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini-buses, at 13 048 units, reflected an increase of 2 221 units, or 20.5%, compared to 10 827 units in November 2024.

Sales for medium and heavy truck segments of the industry reflected a mixed performance in November 2025 and at 698 units and 1 992 units, respectively, recorded a decrease of four units, or 0.6% from the 702 units sold in November 2024 in the case of medium commercial vehicles and, in the case of heavy trucks and buses, an increase of 25 vehicles, or 1.3%, compared to the 1 967 units sold in the corresponding month last year.

Vehicle exports recorded 35 848 units in November 2025, down by 1 437 units, or 3.9%, from 37 285 units a year earlier. Year-to-date export volumes remained 5.6% ahead of the same period in 2024, demonstrating the sector’s durability even as global markets remain uneven.

More results: AVAF Infographic November 2025