With September sales increasing by 12,7% year-on-year to 61 645 units, this performance is particularly encouraging given the increasingly difficult business environment for consumers and businesses, including higher borrowing costs, and renewed inflationary pressures .
The September 2026 new passenger car sales registered 44 291 units, an increase of 14,7% compared to the
38 615 units sold in September 2025. Interesting is that the car rental industry accounted for a sound 18,4% of new passenger vehicle sales during the month.
Sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses amounted to 14 361 units, representing a 9,6% increase compared to September 2025.
Medium commercial vehicle sales reached 789 units during September 2026, a gain of 3,4% compared to the 763 units sold in September 2025 while heavy truck and bus sales totalled
2 204 units, a decrease of 25 units compared to the 2 229 units sold in September.
Export sales for the month of August at 31 473 units yet again reflected a decrease of 18,8% compared to the corresponding month last year.
NEW ENERGY VEHICLE (NEV) ADOPTION MAINTAINS MOMENTUM
With fuel prices continuing to climb, more South African motorists are taking a closer look at alternative vehicle technologies. Hybrid vehicles, which combine a conventional petrol engine with an electric motor, have gained significant traction in recent years as they offer improved fuel efficiency without the need for charging infrastructure. For many consumers and fleet operators, hybrids provide a practical stepping stone towards lower running costs while reducing dependence on increasingly expensive fuel.
At the same time, the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to develop steadily, supported by advances in battery technology, expanding model availability, and growing consumer awareness of environmental sustainability. Although EV sales still represent a relatively small portion of the overall vehicle market, interest is increasing as motorists seek long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs. As fuel prices remain under pressure, both hybrid and electric vehicles are expected to play an increasingly important role in South Africa’s automotive landscape in the years ahead.
As we move into the final quarter of 2026, the resilience of South Africa’s automotive industry continues to inspire confidence despite ongoing economic challenges. The strong vehicle sales performance recorded during September, coupled with the growing acceptance of new energy vehicles, highlights the adaptability of both consumers and businesses in a rapidly changing market. We extend our sincere appreciation to NAAMSA for their accurate and timely reporting of industry statistics, which provide valuable insight into market trends.
From all of us at CLC Trucks, thank you for your continued support, and we wish you a successful, productive, and prosperous month ahead.
