These were South Africa's top-selling cars as market booms in April

Following a strong first quarter, South Africa's automotive sector continued to show resilience in April, says motor industry umbrella body Naamsa.

Domestic new vehicle sales were 42,401 units, an 11.9% increase over the 37,899 sold in April 2024.

The new passenger car market grew the most last month and, at 30,101 units, registered a gain of 16.9% compared with April 2024. Light commercial vehicles, including bakkies and minibuses, were up 3.2% to 9,961 units.

“Despite fewer selling days in April compared with April 2024 due to the configuration of public holidays as well as formidable global headwinds, the new vehicle sales performance encouragingly continued the upward momentum of the first quarter into the second quarter,” said Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa.

“While the new US tariff measures are concerning, the resilience and competitiveness of South African automotive exports remain steadfast.

“Despite a brief return of load-shedding and domestic political uncertainty because of the VAT saga during the month, the domestic macroeconomic environment provided a degree of stability. Inflation fell to 2.7% year-on-year in March, marking the lowest level since June 2020, aided by a notable easing in fuel and education costs.”

Mabasa expects the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates further, though inflation is expected to trend higher in the second half of 2025 due to global developments. Further buoying consumer confidence, the government reversed its earlier proposal to hike the VAT rate from 15% to 15.5%, a move that would preserve disposable income at a critical moment for household consumption, he said.

“The market also appears to be correcting itself, balancing affordability with demand as consumers become more realistic about their purchase decisions,”  said Lebo Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank.

WesBank data shows an average deal size shrinking 8.6% year-on-year, indicating the stresses of affordability on new vehicle purchases and the continued trend to buy down into smaller, more affordable vehicles.

“The competitive price point of new Chinese entrants will also influence this shift as consumers seek alternative value in the market.”

Toyota remained South Africa's favourite brand in April, with 10,363 units sold. Suzuki strengthened its No 2 position ahead of Volkswagen, with Hyundai remaining at No 4 ahead of Ford.

Notable movers were GWM/Haval and Chery, which each jumped three places in April compared with March — GWM/Haval to sixth place and Chery to seventh — further underlining the strengthening presence of affordable Chinese brands in a price-sensitive market. Omoda & Jaecoo and Jetour were other Chinese brands in the top 15.

15 BEST SELLING BRANDS IN APRIL:

1. Toyota — 10,363
2. Suzuki — 5,977
3. Volkswagen — 3,973
4. Hyundai — 3,007
5. Ford — 2,398
6. GWM — 1,943
7. Chery — 1,852
8. Isuzu — 1,383
9. Renault — 1,281
10. Mahindra — 1,278
11. Kia — 1,277
12. BMW group — 1,146
13. Omoda & Jaecoo — 865
14. Nissan — 794
15. Jetour — 573

30 BEST SELLING CARS IN APRIL:

1. Toyota Hilux — 2,780
2. Suzuki Swift — 2,053
3. Ford Ranger — 1,728
4. Toyota Corolla Cross — 1,584
5. Hyundai Grand i10 -1,425
6. VW Polo Vivo — 1,366
7. Suzuki Fronx — 1,186
8. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro — 1,133
9. Isuzu D-Max — 1,108
10. Haval Jolion — 973
11. Toyota Starlet — 905
12. Toyota Starlet Cross — 834
13. Kia Sonet — 812
14. Suzuki Ertiga — 778
15. VW Polo — 768
16. Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up — 654
17. Toyota Fortuner — 606
18. Omoda C5 — 588
19. Toyota Hi-Ace — 571
20. Toyota Urban Cruiser — 539
21. Mahindra XUV 3XO — 515
22. GWM P-Series — 497
23. Renault Kiger — 470
24. Nissan Magnite — 449
25. Toyota Rumion — 448
26. Toyota Vitz — 433
27. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro — 427
28. Suzuki Baleno — 420
29. Toyota Land Cruiser — 417
30. Hyundai Exter — 381