The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) released its second Automotive Trade Manual 2025 publication, previously published by naamsa under the banner of the Automotive Industry Export Council [AIEC].
This iconic publication is the official source of all automotive trade data and other relevant information to the automotive industry in South Africa.
In a taxing year, the domestic automotive industry in 2024, for the first time since the 2020 pandemic, encountered a modest downturn in both domestic new-vehicle sales and vehicle exports. This can be attributed to several factors, including persistent inflationary pressures, climate effects on operations and geopolitical instability.
Despite a stronger year-end performance supported by strong seasonal sales to the vehicle rental industry, easing inflation and two interest rate cuts, new-vehicle sales decreased by 3.0% to 515 850 units in 2024, compared to the 531 552 units sold in 2023.
The confluence of positive economic indicators and the resilience of the passenger car segment during the last quarter of 2024 suggest a potential rebound for the new-vehicle market in 2025 to return to the pre-pandemic level after five years.
Read the manual here.
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
