Asia is the main supplier of vehicles to South Africa. Toyota and Suzuki are working together successfully with cars sourced from Suzuki India.With the arrival of Chinese brands, their being readily accepted is changing the landscape of the market.
Data source: Naamsa.
Photos: VW (Polo Vivo) & Chery (service department) RSA.
Registrations were up 33% for the year. Compared to the previous ten years, the average was up 37%. Not surprisingly, 2025 was a record year as well. Renault and its Dacia brand combined have taken 40% of the market. They assemble vehicles here which allows them that sort of dominance. Morocco is the now the largest producer of passenger cars in Africa, passing South Africa this year.
Many of the more established brands lost share, mostly because of the proliferation of new Chinese entrants. After not doing too much for a few years, BYD suddenly took off and reached 14th. Most of the other Chinese brand only had a partial year of sales so expect more from them in 2026.
As Jaguar stopped making cars for 2025, it was surprising that they not only matched the 33% increase but exceeded it by 52%. I assume that stock will be just about exhausted by now.
Data source: Aivam. Photos: Dacia (Jogger) & Soueast (06) Maroc.
