South Africa’s domestic new vehicle sales are on track to exceed pre-pandemic levels for the first time in five years, driven by strong consumer demand for affordable cars, the president of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) said on Wednesday.
Speaking at NAAMSA’s annual auto conference, Billy Tom highlighted that the industry showed resilience in the first half of 2025, with new vehicle sales up 14% compared to the same period last year. Imports also rose by 30.2%, largely due to an influx of affordable models, many from China.
Tom noted that the market is likely to surpass 2019 sales levels of 536,612 units, compared with 515,850 units recorded in 2024.
Thato Magasa, NAAMSA’s vice president for retailing car manufacturers, said consumer preferences are shifting. With rising living costs, South African buyers are increasingly prioritising value over brand names.
Magasa also cited supportive economic conditions, including a 125-basis-point reduction in interest rates since 2024, easing inflation, and improved economic growth, as factors contributing to the strong performance in the new vehicle market.
