Continued momentum in new vehicle sales provides a strong start to 2026
Total domestic new vehicle sales in January 2026 at 50 073 reflected an increase of 7,5%, compared to the 46 594 vehicles sold in January 2025.
Export sales increased to 24 568 units, representing a growth of 136 units, compared to the 24 432 vehicles exported in January 2025.
The January 2026 new passenger car market at 37 190 units recorded an increase 7,1%, compared to the 34 710 new cars sold in January 2025.
Sadly, sales in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments reflected a weak performance in January 2026. Medium commercial vehicle sales at 542 units represented a 5,9% year-on-year decrease in 2026, while heavy trucks and busses at 1,345 units reflected a 4,3% decrease compared to January 2025.
Fleet replacement decisions remain closely linked to infrastructure investment trends, electricity costs, and confidence in the broader investment outlook.
After 60 years Nissan sold their Manufacturing Plant in Rosslyn Pretoria to Chery
Nissan and Chinese manufacturer Chery SA have reached an agreement on the purchase of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, outside Pretoria, South Africa.
After nearly 60 years of Nissan production in South Africa, this facility now becomes a vehicle importer only.
The Nissan plant was manufacturing bakkies in Rosslyn for more than 60 years. Some of those models were among South Africa’s most iconic cars: the 1400 Champ, Hardbody and Navara.
Subject to regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including its nearby stamping plant, towards mid-2026.
Employee stability
According to a statement released by Nissan SA, the agreement will see the majority of associated Nissan employees offered employment by Chery SA on substantially similar terms and conditions as currently. Jordi Vila, Nissan Africa President, said: “Nissan has a long and proud history in South Africa and has been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners. External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilisation of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan.
“Through this agreement we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network. This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector.”
Here is the official petrol price for February
The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has published the official fuel price adjustments that will take effect on Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
Oil prices trade higher as a result of geopolitical volatility and tension between the US and Iran in the Middle East.
Oil prices rose from below $60 a barrel to over $70 a barrel during the course of the month, but due to a strong performing Rand, the price of petrol and diesel dropped as shown below.
From Wednesday the 4th this is what you will pay at the pumps:
| Inland Fuel Prices | February Official |
|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R19.99 |
| 95 Petrol | R20.10 |
| Diesel 0.05% Wholesale | R17.91 |
| Diesel 0.005% Wholesale | R17.95 |
Once again, in closing I would like to thank Naamsa for sales statistics and also BusinessTech for latest market information. As we enter the second and shortest month for the year let’s maximise on sales, productivity and consistency.
– Cobus Lourens –
