Suzuki leaving one of the biggest car brands in South Africa in the dust

Japanese carmaker Suzuki is comfortably South Africa’s second-biggest manufacturer, having overtaken all but one of the country’s established nameplates, including VW.

While Toyota remains the undisputed overall market leader, the battle for second place regularly heats up between Suzuki and VW, with the former regularly winning out against its German competitor.

Looking at sales data from the Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) reveals a highly competitive battle for the number 2 local manufacturer standing in South Africa.

Over the continuous 19-month period from the start of last year through July 2026, Suzuki has consistently outperformed VW, leading in 17 out of the 19 available months

That being said, VW has recorded wins over the Japanese giant, clinching a narrow victory of just 53 units in December last year, recording 5,014 sales compared to Suzuki’s 4,961.

In March this year, the German badge repeated the trick, but this time by a healthier 527-unit margin, recording 5,574 units sold, while Suzuki managed 5,047 in the same month.

Besides these rare wins, VW has been left well behind by Suzuki, whose budget offerings have set it apart from many rivals as it capitalises on South Africa’s budget-conscious, yet demanding market.

The first time it did so was in early 2024, when it claimed its spot as the country’s second-biggest manufacturer from VW, cementing itself as a local auto giant months later.

Key to its success has been its extensive line-up of affordable options, including several options under R300,000.

When Suzuki overtook VW for the first time, the brand’s GM for Sales and Marketing, Henno Havenga, explained that customers were feeling the pinch of high interest rates, high fuel prices, and the rising cost of living.

“Our experience shows that those who do purchase a new car are looking for the best possible price and lowest running cost, and that has definitely favoured Suzuki Auto’s refreshed range of vehicles,” he added.

In total, Suzuki sells 13 distinct models in South Africa, catering for nearly every segment of the market, including entry-level hatchbacks, an adventure SUV, and full-sized family cars.

A battle between two favourites

Historically, the VW Polo and Polo Vivo models have been South Africa’s favourite hatchbacks, and while this remains true today, these often have the Suzuki Swift breathing down their necks.

In July, the Polo Vivo claimed second place on the list of best-selling new cars in the local market with 2,395 units sold, while the Suzuki Swift claimed eighth place, shipping 1,388 units, with the Polo way down in 17th with 864 sales.

In the used market, the sales figures are much closer, with the Polo Vivo leading the pack in third place with 1,355 sales in July, followed by the Polo in fourth with 1,232 units sold, and the Swift right behind with 883 units sold.

While these figures make it seem like the VW should be dominating the competition, only the Polo and Polo Vivo make it onto either list, while Suzuki had several models across its range that made the lists.

Besides the Swift, other Suzuki models that sell like hotcakes in South Africa include the Ertiga, which sold 1,150 units last month, and the Fronx, with 1,092 sales.

It must be noted that the majority of Suzuki’s entry-level and budget offerings are built in India by Maruti Suzuki, while the entire Polo range, including the Vivo and GT models, is built by VW in South Africa.

This gives the Japanese a slight edge when it comes to pricing, allowing it to undercut not only the German carmaker but also all other rivals.