Strong demand drives SA to decade-high vehicle sales
The South African motor industry continues to defy expectations by posting another month of exceptional growth.
- Industry News
- 4 November 2025
At Halfway Toyota in Howick, workshop foreman Devesh Saamcharan stole a march on his Japanese colleagues in the Toyota Motor Corporation when he assembled a few foot-operated, hand-sanitiser dispensers back in May 2020.
The dispenser proved to be a novelty in May, before it became commonplace in dealers across South Africa.
Toyota announced recently that its Kamigo Parts Centre in Japan will be making up to 2 500 sanitiser stands a month, which are to be sold or leased to dealers in Japan from December onwards.
Saamcharan told Dealerfloor he built his stands as strong but as cheaply as possible, using wood and old clutch housings that he salvaged at the dealership. To this he added only a few new bolts, making it a very cost-effective solution for the dealership.
The sturdy stands are in daily use at the busy Halfway dealership, but despite being stepped on many times a day, are still cleaning hands as fast as the bottles can squirt.
The South African motor industry continues to defy expectations by posting another month of exceptional growth.
According to a Reuters report, Renault is engaged in active discussions with several automobile manufacturers, including China's Chery, as the French company explores opportunities for collaborative production and distribution agreements.
South Africa’s new-vehicle market continued its upward trajectory in October 2025, supported by easing inflation, a firmer rand, continued signs of improving consumer sentiment and demand recovery in key export markets.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I always do like seeing other people dance in their cars. It's one of the things that makes me happy.
Ariel Gore
The name tells the story – Basadi Automotive Group. Basadi, the Sesotho word for women, was chosen by a woman who, against all odds but with an unwavering belief in God, decided in 2018 or so to go it alone in the male-dominated automotive industry.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa amplified its 25-year anniversary by hosting Hyundai Fun Fest celebrations at various Hyundai dealerships across the country.
Stephan Venter is making waves. Most recently with Changan Pretoria.