Naamsa Vehicle sales statistics:
Total domestic new vehicle sales in February 2025 totalled 47,978 units, reflecting an increase of 7.3% compared to the 44,749 vehicles sold in February 2024. Unfortunately the same can’t be said about Export sales that declined by 4,861 units, or 8.6%, to 34,656 units in February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024.
The February 2025 new passenger car market at 33,757 units had registered an increase of 4,900 cars,- or 17,0% compared to the new cars sold in February 2024. Interesting is that the Car rental industry accounted for a sound 14,6% of new passenger vehicles sales during the month.
Sales for the medium and heavy truck segments of the industry showed once again a mixed performance in February 2025. Medium commercial vehicle sales totalled 721 units, reflecting an increase of 11.8% compared to the 645 units sold in February 2024. Heavy truck and bus sales declined by 243 vehicles, compared to the 1,941 units sold in the corresponding month last year.
South Africa’s automotive future:
Are the Chinese Auto giants here for the long haul?
For the last year or so, East Asian brands continued to disrupt the South African market with a huge variety of new vehicle introductions. Currently, Chery South Africa are lying at the top six in vehicle sales, and is just behind the global market player Ford. GWM and its sub-brand Haval follow closely, with Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa also gaining market share, not even mentioning other brands like BAIC and JAC. Chinese manufacturers are indeed making an impact, despite doubts about their long-term commitment in South Africa.
I personally think that the Chinese products do not have the back-up in South Africa like that of the Japanese and European manufacturers, whether it be the technical skills available or the parts back-up.
Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, etc are physically invested in this country. They are invested with staff at factories, they are invested with a parts chain, to guarantee customer service.
The Chinese products have come into South Africa, – the cars are imported, they give the franchises to dealers, but is that group really invested?
Here is the official petrol price for March:
Due to a slightly stronger rand against the US dollar from 31 January to 27 February a small price cut can be expected at the pumps in March.
Prices will drop by 7 cents per litre for 93 and 95 petrol, and between 18 and 24 cents per litre for diesel.
Herewith the fuel prices for March:
- 93 Petrol R22.16
- 95 Petrol R22.41
- Diesel R20.34
Thanks once again to Naamsa for accurate and on time reporting, as well as Bussinestech and IOL for valuable market insights.
– Cobus Lourens –
