Toyota and Suzuki continue dominance in SA's new vehicle sales boom

South Africa’s new vehicle market continued its upward trajectory in October 2025, to reach the highest monthly total of sales in over ten years - since March 2015.

This continued surge was supported by easing inflation, a firmer rand, continued signs of improving consumer sentiment, and demand recovery in key export markets, said NAAMSA.

Resident motoring enthusiast, Kumbi Mtshakazi, also highlighted the influx of Chinese and India-based brands making a new car purchase more affordable for South Africans.

"I think we'll not be seeing a lot of legacy brands on the top-selling list for long... And the problem of high fuel consumption with Chinese cars is being addressed with the introduction of the hybrid solution."

The sales figures for October 2025 show an increase of 16% year-on-year.

55,956 units were sold - 7,734 more than the 48,222 sold in October 2024.

For the year to date, the new vehicle market was now 15.7%ahead of the same period last year.

The new passenger car market recorded 39,610 units, its highest monthly total since October 2014.

Old favourite, Toyota, remains South Africa's top brand, with over 13,500 vehicles sold.

Suzuki took second spot, with just less than half that number.

"Toyota has captured that growing compact crossover market, especially with the Corolla Cross," Mtshakazi remarked.

TOP 10 SELLING VEHICLE BRANDS in SA for OCTOBER 2025

1. Toyota - 13 559 units

2. Suzuki Auto - 6 890 units 

3. Volkswagen Group SA - 6 221 units

4. Hyundai Automotive SA - 3 017 units

5. Ford Motor Company - 2 946 units

6. GWM SA - 2 805 units

7. Isuzu Motors SA - 2 784 units

8. Chery Auto SA - 2 210 units

9. Kia SA - 1 808 units

10. Mahindra - 1 551 

To listen to Kumbi Mtshakazi in conversation with Gugs Mhlungu on 702's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: