South Africa’s car market showed remarkable resilience amid sky-high petrol prices and an interest rate hike, with sales reaching 61,645 units in September 2026.
This marks a 12.7% year-on-year increase over the 54,706 units sold in September 2025. A large chunk of these sales can be attributed to Toyota, which came first last month with 15,366 units.
Suzuki continued to be the nation’s second-favourite car brand with 6,668 sales under its belt, putting it ahead of VW in third place with 5,968.
Ford came fourth with 3,190 units, maintaining its lead over Hyundai in fifth with 3,057 sales. Isuzu then had an excellent month, moving up to sixth place with 3,022 units, putting it right behind Hyundai.
The Chinese duo of Chery and GWM then came seventh and eighth with 3,004 and 2,700 units respectively.
A third Chinese entry, Jetour, landed the ninth spot thanks to 2,036 customers, and Kia was the last name to squeeze into the top 10 with 1,840 sales.
As for the industry itself, an estimated 50,171 sales (81.4%) were attributed to dealerships, while another 13.8% went to the rental industry.
Another 2.6% went to the government, and the remaining 2.2% were the result of corporate fleet sales.
Passenger car sales reached 44,291 units, reflecting a 14.7% YoY increase over the 38,615 units from September 2025.
Light commercial vehicles like bakkies and minivans, meanwhile, saw a 9.6% YoY increase from 13,099 to 14,361 units.
Unfortunately, one area that is still in decline is vehicle exports, as shipments overseas dropped 18.8% to 31,473 units.
Best-selling car brands in South Africa
The following list shows the best-selling car brands in South Africa from September 2026, according to Naamsa.
Click on the underlined names for more information.
1. Toyota – 15,366 units
2. Suzuki – 6,688 units
3. VW – 5,968 units
4. Ford – 3,190 units
5. Hyundai – 3,057 units
6. Isuzu – 3,022 units
7. Chery – 3,004 units
8. GWM – 2,700 units
9. Jetour – 2,036 units
10. Kia – 1,840 units
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