December new car sales top off bumper 2025

South Africa's new vehicle market registered a strong conclusion to 2025, with an increase of over 19% year-on-year in December.

48,983 units were sold; 7,882  more than the 41,101 sold in December 2024.

The new passenger car market showed a year-on-year volume increase of 20,3%

Overall, the new vehicle market delivered a landmark performance in 2025, finally recovering above 2019 pre-pandemic levels and hitting highs not seen in a decade, NAAMSA reports.

RELATED: SA–China trade gap widens as Chinese vehicle imports surge

Interest rate cuts were obviously a contributor, with the upswing underpinned by political stability and a significant easing of vehicle inflation, says the industry body. The influx of affordable models also contributed to the intensely competitive trading environment in the country

Old favourite Toyota remains South Africa's top brand, with close to 13,000 vehicles sold in December.

Volkswagen took second spot, with less than half that number, with Suzuki close behind in third place.

RELATED: We drive the new Transporter, and VW teases upcoming launches for 2026

Ferguson references Ryan Bubear's piece for cars.co.za, which outlines South Africa's 15 best-selling passenger vehicles of 2025.

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained the top-seller crown, followed by the Suzuki Swift, as the Toyota Corolla Cross slipped a spot to 3rd.

Ferguson also makes special mention of the Japanese carmaker's Starlet Cross, which slipped to 5th place behind the Chery Tiggo 4.

TOP 10 SELLING VEHICLE BRANDS in SA for DECEMBER 2025

1. Toyota - 12 933 units

2. Volkswagen Group SA - 5 014 units

3. Suzuki Auto - 4 961 units 

4. Hyundai Automotive SA - 3 068 units

5. Ford Motor Company - 2 987 units

6. GWM SA - 2 453 units

7. Chery Auto SA - 2 249 units

8. Isuzu Motors SA - 1 906 units

9. Kia SA - 1 508 units

10. Jetour SA -  1 371 units

Use the audio player to listen to Ferguson for more detail: