New-vehicle sales in July reaffirm the automotive industry’s central role as a strategic anchor of the real economy, reflecting and shaping the country’s industrial and macroeconomic trajectory.

In this environment, the July data not only signals the continuation of earlier gains but also the emergence of a more adaptive and agile industry, positioning itself for long-term sustainability and competitiveness, according to The Automotive Business Council (naamsa).

The South African new-vehicle market continued its winning streak, with July delivering the highest monthly total sales reported since October 2019.

Aggregate new-vehicle sales increased to 51 383 units in July 2025, up 6 931 units, or 15.6%, from the 44 452 units sold in July 2024. This strength has been driven by improving consumer confidence, favourable credit conditions and a steady recovery in disposable incomes.

Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 51 383 vehicles, an estimated 42 700 units, or 83.1%, represented dealer sales, an estimated 11.1% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry, 3.1% to government sales and 2.7% to industry corporate fleets.

The July 2025 new passenger car market stood at 36,248 units, the highest monthly passenger car sales performance since January 2017 and registered an increase of 6 072 units, or a gain of 20.1%, compared to the 30 176 new cars sold in July 2024.

Car rental sales accounted for a sound 14.0% of new passenger vehicle sales during the month. Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini-buses recorded 12 356 units during July 2025, an increase of 800 units, or a gain of 6.9%, from the 11 556 light commercial vehicles sold during July 2024.

Sales for medium and heavy truck segments of the industry reflected a mixed performance in July 2025 and, at 703 units and 2 076 units respectively, recorded an increase of 86 units, or 13.9% from the 617 units sold in July 2024 in the case of medium commercial vehicles, and in the case of heavy trucks and buses a decrease of 27 vehicles, or 1.3%, compared to the 2 103 units sold in the corresponding month last year.

“We are encouraged by the sustained positive momentum in new-vehicle sales, which clearly underscores the resilience of South African consumers and the strategic importance of a stable macro-economic policy environment,” says naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa.

• "Despite global uncertainty and the looming threat of tariffs, South Africa’s vehicle market continues to show remarkable resilience," says Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA). NADA says a key contributor to the robust passenger market is the growing influence of Chinese and Asian vehicle brands. Four Chinese importers are now among the top 15 best-sellers. “Financial institutions have also shown confidence in these brands by offering white-labelled finance packages, further supporting their market penetration. Meanwhile, manufacturers like Kia and Mahindra continue to feature prominently in the top 10, reflecting strong demand for affordable, value-driven options, a trend that has also underpinned Suzuki’s consistent success,” says Brandon.

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