South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to grow in August, with total sales increasing by 11.4% year-on-year to 57,898 units, according to naamsa.

However, vehicle exports fell by 11.9% to 35,091 units, highlighting continued pressure on the country’s automotive manufacturing competitiveness.

Passenger car sales rose by 11.6% to 41,216 units, while light commercial vehicle sales increased by 11.0% to 13,727 units. Medium commercial vehicle sales climbed by 16.3% to 805 units, while heavy trucks and buses increased by 10.1% to 2,150 units.

NEV sales continue to surge

South Africa’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market is also growing rapidly. NEV sales reached 3,096 units in August, more than double the 1,506 units sold in August 2025.

Year-to-date NEV sales reached 16,289 units, representing an 88.0% increase compared with the same period last year. This included 8,078 hybrids, 5,851 plug-in hybrids and 2,360 battery-electric vehicles.

naamsa said the growth highlights increasing consumer choice and the need to translate rising NEV demand into local manufacturing, investment, skills development and job creation.

Mixed economic conditions

Lower inflation and stable interest rates have provided some support for vehicle demand. Inflation eased to 4.3% in July, while the repo rate remained at 7.00%.

Fuel costs, however, remain a challenge for commercial operators, with diesel prices increasing significantly during August.

naamsa said improving domestic demand must ultimately translate into stronger local production and investment.

The industry association also marked Volkswagen’s 75 years in South Africa, highlighting the company’s contribution to manufacturing, skills development and the local automotive supply chain.

With vehicle sales and NEV adoption continuing to rise, the industry now faces the challenge of strengthening local production and competitiveness while preparing for the shift towards lower- and zero-emission vehicles.