New vehicle sales performed exceptionally well in July, as the market recorded a 50,000-unit volume mark. This result added to the ongoing positive trend in vehicle sales, marking 10 consecutive months of increased volumes this year; in fact, the last time July experienced strong sales was in 2019.
According to data from Naamsa, July’s new vehicle market grew 15.6% to 51,383 vehicles, driven by unprecedented demand, increased affordability, and improved sentiment. Despite the impact of the United States’ 25% automotive tariffs imposed in April 2025, vehicle exports also showed notable resilience.
Export volumes for July 2025 decreased by 677 units, or 1.9%, from 36,056 units exported in July 2024 to 35,379 units exported in July 2025, indicating a slight effect but not a significant one. Year-to-date sales continue to remain within the double-digit growth territory, registering 330,274 new vehicles this year, which is 13.9% higher than in the first seven months of last year.
The market was once again driven by passenger cars, with the segment up 20.1% to 36,248 units. Dealer sales (29,319 units) represented 80.9% of that volume. Light Commercial Vehicle sales increased by 6.9% to 12,356 units. “There remains a direct correlation between the rate-cutting cycle and the upturn in new vehicle sales,” says Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank.
In tangible terms, the market sold 6,931 more vehicles than it did in July 2024. The top 10 best-selling brands this month were:
- Toyota – 12,694 units
2. Suzuki – 6,257 units
3. Volkswagen Group – 5,738 units
4. Hyundai – 3,161 units
5. Ford – 2,877 units
6. GWM – 2,436 units
7. Isuzu – 2,427 units
8. Chery – 2,160 units
9. Kia – 1,891 units
10. Mahindra – 1,441 units.
The year 2025 is significant for Naamsa and South Africa, as it will be a time to prepare for the review of the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035 [SAAM35] and the Automotive Production and Development Programme Phase 2 [APDP2].
The SAAM35 and APDP2 need to be reviewed and restructured to align the sector’s policy framework with shifting global market dynamics and to reset performance goals in light of both domestic and export challenges.
With the impending threat of US tariffs potentially disrupting thousands of jobs, eroding hard-won industrial capabilities, and destabilizing automotive-export-reliant communities such as East London, Naamsa remains steadfast in its commitment to South Africa’s economic growth and industrial development.
This is why Naamsa is eager to host the upcoming SA Auto Week 2025, which will be held from October 1-3 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province. This event is a premier South African gathering that serves as a networking and thought leadership platform where all members of the transport sector, suppliers, policymakers, manufacturers, and investors come together to share development plans and intended implementation strategies.