The month of May has just begun and there are fuel increases beckoning, which may leave a sour taste in many South Africans' mouths. However, in a more positive tone, the April vehicle sales stats are in, and they are positive as they showcase growth in the month when compared to the same time last year. More and more South Africans are not just willing to visit dealers, but they are at ease, pocket-wise making them ready to commit. Let us then take a look at the performance and who was at the forefront of the good sales momentum.
Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in April 2026 reached 47,979 units, making this the best April performance since 2013, the growth represents an increase of 5,512 units, or 13,0%, compared to the 42,467 vehicles sold in April 2025. In contrast, export volumes decreased to 30,939 units, a contraction of 4,0% relative to the 32,229 units shipped in April 2025.
The April performance largely reflects momentum built over preceding months, supported by improved financing conditions, and firmer sentiment. However, these supportive factors are now being confronted by headwinds in the macro-environment, characterised by elevated energy prices, looming rising inflation expectations, and a reversal in the interest rate outlook.
Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 47,979 vehicles, an estimated 43,716 units, or 91,1%, represented dealer sales, an estimated 5,1% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry, 2,2% to industry corporate fleets, and 1,6% to government sales.
The April 2026 new passenger car market at 34,414 units recorded an increase of 4,301 units, or 14,3%, compared to the 30,113 new cars sold in April 2025. Car rental sales accounted for 5,7% of new passenger vehicles sold during the month. Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles (bakkies and mini-buses) at 10,966 units during April 2026 recorded a gain of 973 units, or 9,7% compared to the 9,993 units sold in April 2025.
April 2026 marked a significant shift in the macroeconomic landscape due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which caused a sharp increase in global energy prices. In South Africa, this fueled supply chain costs and consumer prices, especially in road transport. While inflation held at 3.1% in March, upcoming data will likely show significant increases. Market expectations for monetary policy have shifted, reflecting inflationary concerns, yet new vehicle sales remained robust despite public holiday disruptions.
Naamsa supports Finance Minister Mr. Enoch Godongwana's decision to extend the temporary fuel levy relief beyond 5 May 2026, announced on 28 April. The relief, crucial for consumers and the automotive sector, mitigates potential fuel cost spikes through measures including a petrol levy reduction of R3.00 per litre until 2 June, diesel levy relief reducing it to zero for May, and a phased withdrawal starting 3 June. Improved consumer confidence and record dealer confidence reflect positive expectations. The diesel levy reduction is vital for commercial vehicles, helping with operational expenditures. However, while providing temporary relief, it doesn't fully address the impact of high global oil prices, prompting Naamsa to monitor conditions closely.
As for the top performing brands that contributed to the yet another good sales month in the year of 2026 so far, we have a short list of the top 10 culprits with a surprising cameo from some brands you suspected would be among the best in sales sooner or later as follows :
1. Toyota – 10 188 units
2. Suzuki – 5 363 units
3. Volkswagen Group – 4 814 units
4. Hyundai – 2 857 units
5. Ford – 2 702 units
6. GWM – 2 485 units
7. Chery – 2 462 units
8. Jetour – 1 804 units
9. Omoda & Jaecoo – 1 383 units
10. BMW Group – 1 366 units
Isuzu lost a spot in the top 10 to the Bavarian group by 1,319 units, and behind it, the Koreans managed to stray not too far by registering 1,242 units in 12th place. Number 13 was then claimed by Renault SA, which managed to move 1,216 units, above 14th, which was claimed by Mahindra at 1,098 units, who was previously in the 9th spot on the top 10 list. Nissan SA stays at 15th, having sold 542 units.