naamsa has released its December 2025 and full-year sales figures, confirming that South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded its strongest performance in more than a decade.

Total new vehicle sales reached 596,818 units in 2025, up 15.7 percent compared to 2024, and exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels for the first time. Growth was supported by interest rate cuts since late 2024, record-low vehicle inflation, increased availability of affordable imports, and improved consumer liquidity.

December 2025 closed with 48,983 vehicles sold, an increase from 41,101 units in December 2024. Passenger car sales grew by 20.3 percent, while light commercial vehicles increased by 23.7 percent. Medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments declined over the same period.

Vehicle exports totalled 408,224 units in 2025, up 4.4 percent year on year, breaking the 400,000-unit mark for the first time. Export growth was led by light commercial vehicles, despite softer demand in some global markets.

Looking ahead, naamsa expects new vehicle sales in 2026 to improve by between 9 percent and 11 percent, supported by lower inflation and gradual economic recovery.