By Staff Reporter

South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded its strongest month in more than ten years, with sales rising sharply in October 2025.

According to naamsa, total new vehicle sales reached 55,956 units, the highest monthly figure since March 2015. This marks a 16 percent increase compared to October 2024, continuing the positive momentum seen throughout the year. Year to date, the market is now 15.7 percent ahead of the same period last year.

Dealer sales accounted for most of the volume with 44,278 units, followed by rental companies at 16.6 percent, while government and corporate fleets made up the rest.

Passenger car sales were particularly strong, reaching 39,610 units. This was the highest total since October 2014. Car rental demand ahead of the holiday season played a key role, making up nearly 22 percent of passenger car sales. Light commercial vehicles, including bakkies and minibuses, also performed well with 13,361 units sold, up almost 24 percent year on year.

While medium truck sales increased slightly to 809 units, heavy truck and bus sales dipped marginally to 2,176.

Industry analysts point to easing inflation, a more stable rand and improved consumer sentiment as key drivers behind the strong performance. Inflation remained steady at 3.4 percent in September, while fuel and vehicle prices stayed relatively contained, supporting affordability across segments.

Exports also held steady at 32,659 units, up 0.5 percent from the same month last year, keeping the year-to-date export tally 6.7 percent higher than in 2024.

With signs of stability in both local and global markets, the automotive sector appears set to close out 2025 on a strong note.