New car sales boom continues, with the best February figures since 2013

The month of February brought continued momentum in new car sales for South Africa, with the best February performance since 2013.

This follows on strong sales for January, which kicked off the new year positively following a record-breaking 2025.

As motoring journalist Melinda Ferguson remarks, this is a huge sign that the motor industry locally is not so much in recovery any longer and becoming stable but is definitively growing.

The latest numbers reflect not merely cyclical uplift, but increasingly entrenched domestic economic stabilisation, affirms the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa).

The figures for February 2026 show an increase of 11,4% year-on-year.

A total of 53,455 units were sold – 5,461 units more than the 47,994 recorded in February 2024.

The new passenger car market recorded 37,576 units, an increase of 11,3%, (3,826 units) compared to the 33,750 new cars sold in February last year.

However, exports weakened in the month of February 2026 with vehicle export sales at 24,221 units, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 28,1%.

Old favourite Toyota remains South Africa's top brand, with over 12,000 vehicles sold.

Suzuki took second spot again at just over half that number, with Volkswagen following in third place.

"Suzuki has actually done incredible stuff over the past two years, really giving VW a lot to worry about", says Ferguson.

TOP 10 SELLING VEHICLE BRANDS IN SA FOR FEBRUARY 2026

1. Toyota - 12 272 units
2. Suzuki Auto - 6 562 units
3. Volkswagen Group SA - 4 895 units
4. Hyundai Automotive SA - 3 136 units
5. Ford Motor Company - 2 928 units
6. GWM SA - 2 614 units
7. Isuzu Motors SA - 2 371 units
8. Chery Auto SA - 2 312 units
9. Mahindra - 1 996 units
10. Kia SA - 1 746 units

To listen to Melinda Ferguson in conversation with Saskia Falken on CapeTalk's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: