Despite the many challenges that have come forth and raised red flags like economic factors such as fuel price hikes for both car owners and those looking into entering the ownership space, Naamsa report that the people of Mzansi were quick to shrug the affects off as they market was determined to engaging positively within the car buying space. South Africans are so eager in fact that there is event a growth within the NEV realm further cementing that more and more people are looking to drive off in a new set of wheels.

What do they domestic new vehicle sales numbers look like?

Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in May 2026 reached 51,071 units, the best May monthly figure since 2013, representing an increase of 5,784 units, or 12,8%, compared to the 45,287 vehicles sold in May 2025. In contrast, export volumes decreased to 29,392 units, a contraction of 4,8% relative to the 30,859 units shipped in May 2025. 

Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 51,071 vehicles, an estimated 45,999 units, or 90,1%, represented dealer sales, an estimated 5,3% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry, 2,5% to industry corporate fleets, and 2,1% to government sales.

The May 2026 new passenger car market at 36,871 units recorded an increase of 5,170 units, or 16,3%, compared to the 31,701 new cars sold in May 2025. Car rental sales accounted for 6,0% of new passenger vehicles sold during the month. Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles (bakkies and mini-buses) at 11,251 units during May 2026 recorded a gain of 273 units, or 2,5% compared to the 10,978 units sold in May 2025. 

Naamsa's note on the month of May - New Sales

May's sales performance indicates ongoing market momentum amidst economic uncertainty. Households are cautious about affordability, yet consumer participation in the new vehicle market remains strong across segments. Purchasing decisions prioritize value, financing, fuel efficiency, utility, and longevity. In 2026, the automotive sector faces both opportunities and challenges; underlying mobility demand persists while heightened competition enhances consumer choice. As economic conditions stabilize, the industry's success hinges on delivering affordable, high-quality, and technologically advanced products to sustain growth in South Africa's new vehicle sales.

These are the top 10 best selling brands in Mzansi (May)

1. Toyota – 10667 units
2. Suzuki – 5 546
3. Volkswagen Group – 5 295
4. Hyundai – 3 054
5. Ford – 2 932
6. GWM – 2 605
7. Chery – 2 569
8. Jetour – 2 020
9. Mahindra – 1 429
10. Isuzu – 1 371

Now you know we don't leave out the guys that are hanging just below the top 10 right, so let's assess who needed just that bit more units out to make it to the list. At 11 we have Omoda & Jaecoo who missed out by registering 1 369 units, behind them at 12th place BMW too drops off the table with 1 349 units. Kia takes the spot at 13th with a number of 1 312 units, 14th has 1 240 units that belong to Renault SA and lastly at 15th, the stellantis group.