Features / 22 April 2026 / Warren Hawkins

The best-selling car brands in South Africa so far this year

South Africa’s automotive sector experienced a resurgence in 2025, selling the most new cars since 2008, and has carried that momentum into the first quarter of 2026 by shipping 161,978 units so far this year.

This strong start can be attributed to a positive market outlook, supported by stabilising inflation, strengthening credit extension, and a healthy domestic demand.

According to the Automotive Business Council (Naamsa), 50,073 new cars were sold in South Africa in January, representing a 7.5% increase compared to the 46,594 vehicles sold in January 2025.

Naamsa said that the strong start did not merely reflect a carry-on from last year, but rather an improvement in underlying demand conditions, including moderating inflation, stable economic variables, and a resilient consumer base.

January saw Toyota dominate the market with 11,786 units sold, nearly double the 6,410 units Suzuki managed in second place, while VW rounded out the podium with 4,774 sales.

In February, aggregate domestic new car sales reached 53,455 units, marking an 11.4% increase over the 47,994 sold in February 2025, making it the best February performance since 2013.

Naamsa noted that the month’s performance can be attributed to private sector credit extension, which accelerated to 8.7% year-on-year in December.

Toyota once again managed to eclipse the competition, selling 12,272 units in February, while Suzuki again came second with 6,562 sales, and VW third with 4,895.

New car sales continued to improve in March, which saw 58,060 units leaving showroom floors, the best March performance since 2007, and a 17.3% improvement over the 49,500 vehicles sold in March 2025.

Regarding the strong showing in March, Naamsa explained that the performance reflected continued resilience in domestic demand and consumer confidence, supportive inflation, and lagged benefits of interest rate cuts.

The same three manufacturers once again found themselves at the top, as Toyota sold 13,323 units, VW finished second this time with 5,574 sales, and Suzuki completed the podium with 5,047 units sold.

South Africa’s favourite brands in 2026

While the top three brands have dominated the new vehicle sales market so far this year, the rest of the brands in South Africa remain competitive and continue to battle it out for places at the top.

Below are the best-selling car brands in South Africa so far this year. Click on their underlined names to learn more about their local offerings.