New vehicle sales surged in May: these were the top 10 brands

The South African new vehicle market saw buoyant year-on-year growth in May, and the recent interest rate reduction is likely to fuel further momentum in June.

According to industry body Naamsa, 45,308 new vehicles were sold in May, representing a gain of 22% over the same month in 2024.

Passenger car sales, at 31,741 units, led the charge with a year-on-year gain of 30%, while light commercial vehicles, at 10,938 units, saw 5.8% growth. Medium and heavy commercial vehicles recorded respective gains of 22.7% and 6.7% over May 2024.

88.4% of vehicle sales took place through the dealer channels, Naamsa said, while the rental industry accounted for 6.8% of the pie, or 8.5% in the case of passenger vehicles. Corporate fleet and government sales represented a respective 3.0% and 1.8% of the total.

“The SARB’s May decision will add further momentum to these gains, as consumers respond positively to improved credit conditions,” Naamsa said.

“With inflation easing to 2.8%, still well below the SARB’s 3% to 6% target range, and the rand regaining strength amid improving investor sentiment, the macro-economic environment became more conducive to supporting consumer spending and business investment.”

Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa said the SA Reserve Bank’s latest decision to lower interest rates was both timely and commendable, as it would support consumer affordability and boost production competitiveness at a time when global uncertainty was weighing heavily on our export markets.

Toyota led the way in brand sales at 9,969 units (or 10,330 including Hino and Lexus), while Suzuki stood in second place once again at 5,536, followed by Volkswagen (4,150), Hyundai (3,251) and Ford (2,932).

Top-selling vehicle brands: May 2025

1. Toyota - 9,969
2. Suzuki Auto - 5,536
3. Volkswagen - 4,150
4. Hyundai - 3,251
5. Ford - 2,932
6. Chery - 1,995
7. Isuzu - 1,961
8. Mahindra - 1,524
9. Haval - 1,506
10. Kia - 1,406

Stay tuned to IOL Motoring for a list of the 50 top-selling vehicles on Tuesday morning.

Vehicle exports down

Vehicle exports decreased by 14.6% to 30,112 units, but this seems largely due to Volkswagen SA halting production of its Polo in order to complete plant upgrades for its forthcoming compact SUV product.

Year-to-date vehicle exports were still 1.4% ahead of the same period last year, Naamsa said.

IOL