The South African new vehicle market continued its positive momentum in February, while exports lost some steam.

47,979 new vehicles were sold in South Africa last month, which is 2.1% more than January's total of 46,990, and a 7.3% increase over the same month last year.

This followed January’s year-on-year gain of 10.4%, meaning the market is finally gaining the traction that many analysts predicted it would, following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in mid-2024.

It was the passenger vehicle market that led the growth once again in February, with a 16.8% year-on-year gain, while light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales declined by 11.4%, due to various factors, including the discontinuation of the Nissan NP200.

ALSO READ: 3 reasons why SA’s bakkie market declined in 2024

Year-to-date, passenger vehicle sales are up 18.6%, partially thanks to a resurgent rental car market, however LCV sales are down by 10.4%.

Toyota dominated the new vehicle market by its usual significant margin in February, with 11,743 units sold, while Suzuki sold north of 6,000 units once again to beat Volkswagen SA to second place overall.

Top Manufacturers: February 2025

Toyota - 11,743
Suzuki Auto - 6,044
Volkswagen - 5,249
Hyundai Automotive - 3,074
Ford Motor Company - 2,900
Isuzu Motors SA - 2,298
Chery Auto SA - 1,924
GWM SA - 1,713
Mahindra - 1,610
Nissan - 1,497
Kia - 1,491
Renault - 1,466
BMW Group - 1,256
Omoda and Jaecoo - 772
Stellantis - 501

Visit IOL Motoring on Tuesday for the comprehensive vehicle model sales numbers.

Vehicle market outlook remains uncertain

Although the vehicle market is off to a strong start in 2025, aided by three interest rate cuts totalling 0.75%, the outlook for the remainder of the year remains uncertain due to various risk factors, according to WesBank marketing head Lebo Gaoaketse.

“While further expected cuts would continue to address affordability and stimulate market activity, other inflationary increases, including electricity tariffs and fuel prices, persist and have many economists questioning the expected pace of interest rate cuts, warning there may be fewer cuts throughout the year than previously envisioned,” Gaoaketse said.

Export sales down

Export sales declined by 8.6% year-on-year in February, following an encouraging gain of 29.7% in January. 34,656 vehicles were exported in Total, comprising 22,211 passenger cars and 12,417 LCVs.

Volkswagen SA was the lead exporter, with 10,686 Polos shipped abroad last month, followed by the Ford Ranger (5,795), Toyota Hilux (5,580), BMW X3 (4,300) and Nissan Navara (709).

IOL

#toyota-hilux

Another strong sales month for SA new vehicle market - these were the top-selling brands

GWM's new P-300 bakkie: a stylish rival to Toyota and Ford

First spy shots of ‘new’ Toyota Hilux shows 2026 model could be an extensive facelift

South African Henk Lategan wins Dakar Rally prologue