South Africa’s new vehicle market sustained strong momentum in August 2026
Total domestic vehicle sales increased by 11,4% year-on-year to 57,898 units.
The total August 2026 new passenger car sales reached 41 216 units, reflecting an increase of 4 269 units, or 11,6% compared to the 36 947 new cars sold in August 2025. Interesting is that the Car rental sales accounted for 17,2% of new passenger vehicles sold during the month.
Sales in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments reflected positive.
Medium commercial vehicles sales reached 805 units in August 2026, showing a gain of 113 units, or 16,3%, compared to the 692 units sold in August 2025 while heavy trucks and buses at 2 150 units in August 2026 reflected a gain of 198 units, or 10,1%, compared to the 1 952 units sold in August 2025.
The vehicle export market however, declined by 11,9% to 35 091 units.
The South African Reserve Bank’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 7% with the prime lending rate at 10,5% provided greater stability and affordability for households and prospective vehicle buyers.
Fuel Prices Rise Sharply from 2 September 2026
South African motorists and transport operators will once again feel the pressure at the pumps as the latest fuel price adjustments come into effect on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. The increases are among the largest seen this year and are largely attributed to higher international oil prices, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, increased fuel import costs, and a weaker rand against the US dollar.
Official Fuel Price Adjustments Effective 2 September 2026
• Petrol 93 ULP/LRP: Increase of 93 cents per litre
• Petrol 95 ULP/LRP: Increase of R1.04 per litre
• Diesel 0.05% Sulphur (Wholesale): Increase of R2.77 per litre
• Diesel 0.005% Sulphur (Wholesale): Increase of R2.98 per litre
• Illuminating Paraffin: Increase of R2.16 per litre
The increases serve as a reminder of how closely South Africa’s fuel prices are linked to international market conditions, with both consumers and businesses needing to budget carefully for the months ahead.
Volvo Trucks Durban Assembly Plant Celebrates 20 Years
Volvo Trucks South Africa is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Durban assembly plant, marking two decades of investment, manufacturing excellence and commitment to the local trucking industry. Since opening in 2006, the facility has grown into a key part of Volvo’s Southern African operations, supplying high-quality trucks to customers across the region.
Over the years, the plant has expanded its production capabilities while maintaining Volvo’s global standards for quality, safety and reliability. The facility has also played an important role in skills development and job creation, with ongoing investment in employee training and advancement.
The Durban plant continues to evolve with the latest truck technology and recently began assembling Volvo’s new Euro 6 and FH Aero models locally.
As the company celebrates this milestone, the Durban assembly plant stands as a proud example of successful long-term investment in South Africa and remains well positioned to support the future growth of the country’s transport and logistics industry.
In closing, – the month of August once again highlighted the importance of a strong and resilient transport industry in supporting South Africa’s economy. From encouraging vehicle sales growth to significant manufacturing milestones, there is much to be positive about. Although fuel price increases remain a concern, the industry has repeatedly proven its ability to adapt and move forward. Thank you to NAAMSA for valuable market reporting, and from all of us at CLC Trucks, we wish you a productive, profitable and safe month ahead.
-Cobus Lourens-
