New car sales boom continues, with best March figures in almost 20 years

South Africa's new vehicle sales continued an upward trajectory in March this year, reflecting the best March figures since 2007.

The figures for March 2026 show an increase of 17,3% year-on-year.

Naamsa says this continued resilience in domestic demand is underpinned by improved consumer and business confidence, supportive inflation dynamics earlier in the quarter, and the lagged benefits of cumulative interest rate reductions.

However, it warns that the recent global shifts have introduced new risks that will likely shape demand conditions in the months ahead.

A total of 58,060 units were sold in March 2026 – 8,560 units more than the 49,500 vehicles sold in March 2025.

The new passenger car market recorded 39,370 units, an increase of 18,2% (6,054 units) compared to the 33,316 new cars sold in March 2025.

However, exports remained under pressure in the month of March 2026 with vehicle export sales at 37,388 units, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 5,3%.

Resident motoring enthusiast Kumbi Mtshakazi notes that new vehicle sales were more than 5,000 units up on the month of February.

"And when you look at December 2025 it was 48,000 - so now at 58,000 that's an increase of an entire 10,000 in new vehicles sold."

Old favourite Toyota remains South Africa's top brand, with over 13 300 vehicles sold.

Volkswagen clawed back second spot from Suzuki, recording under half that number.

Suzuki sold around 500 fewer units than VW.

TOP 10 SELLING VEHICLE BRANDS in SA for MARCH 2026

1. Toyota - 13 323 units

2. Volkswagen Group SA - 5 574 units

3. Suzuki Auto - 5 047 units

4. Isuzu Motors SA - 3 513 units

4. Hyundai Automotive SA - 3 258 units

5. Ford Motor Company - 2 828 units

6. GWM SA - 2 777 units

7. Chery Auto SA - 2 390 units

8. Mahindra - 2 280 units

9. Jetour SA - 1 768 units

8. Kia SA - 1 646 units

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