Naamsa released new vehicle sales statistics for April 2026
Despite a uncertain global automotive environment, South Africa’s new vehicle market had yet another positive domestic performance into April 2026.
Total domestic new vehicle sales in April 2026 at 47 979 units recorded the best April performance since 2013 with an increase of 13%.
In contrast to that, exports decreased by 4% with 30 939 units shipped, compared to the 32 229 units exported in the corresponding month last year.
The April 2026 new passenger car sales at 34 414 units recorded an increase of 14.3% or 4 301 units compared to the 30 113 new cars sold in April 2025.
Sales in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments also reflected a positive performance during April 2026. Medium commercial vehicle sales at 687 units recorded a 10.5% increase compared to the 622 units sold in April 2026, while heavy trucks and buses, at 1 912 units, reflected a 9,9% increase compared to the corresponding month last year.
The logistics industry in South Africa is about to undergo a transformation with a strong focus on eco-friendly solutions.
Earlier this year, Daimler Trucks Southern Africa announced that it would launch a comprehensive line-up of battery-electric trucks – ranging from the eCanter to the eActros.
One of the country’s leading logistics providers, “City Logistics” – recently tested the Fuso eCanter electric truck.
City Logistics, a national logistics company trailed the above products to establish its variability as an intra-city transport option.
The four ton eCanter was put into duty from their Gosforth Park depot in Germiston. The truck was tested along a 80 km round trip to Midrand each day as they wanted to test the “range“ and the time on how long it takes to recharge.
The eCanter’s claimed range of 100 km allowed for 20 km reserve on the battery for the planned route test, which carried a full load on both legs of the journey.
Mr Ryan Gaines, CEO of City Logistics said that they were pleasantly surprised by the vehicle’s ability to carry load without draining the battery on the 80 km roundtrip journey.
The truck also charged from 20% back to 100% in just over an hour back at their depot, using a 50kWh charger. These trials aim to establish the performance and infrastructure requirements for battery-electric trucks in South Africa. According to Daimler Truck Southern Africa, once the trials have concluded, the eCanter will be sold to local transport operators on an operating lease basis. The eActros, on the other hand, is already available for sale.
Extension on Fuel levy brings relief to the economy:
Naamsa welcomes the decision by the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, to extend the temporary fuel levy relief beyond its initial 5 May 2026 expiry. The extension provides a critical, time-bound buffer for consumers, businesses, and the transport sector against what would otherwise have been a destabilizing spike in fuel costs. The extended relief package for May and June 2026 includes three measures:
- the extension of the R3.00 per litre petrol levy reduction to 2 June;
- an additional 93 cents per litre diesel levy relief for May, effectively reducing the diesel levy to zero (a total relief of R3.93 per litre);
- and a phased withdrawal from 3 June, with partial relief maintained before a full return on 1 July 2026.
The decision to reduce the diesel levy to zero is very important for the commercial vehicle segment as medium and heavy commercial vehicles, infrastructure delivery, and logistics, are highly sensitive to fuel costs.
Easing diesel costs, supports operating margins, and helps sustain the demand for commercial vehicles.
With effect from 1 April 2026, South African fuel prices saw a significant increase, with Petrol 95 rising to approximately R23.36 per litre and Diesel 0.05% reaching around R25.90 per litre.
Below is the official fuel prices for May 2026 as provided by Businesstech
| Inland Fuel Type | April Official | May Official |
|---|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R23.25 | R26.52 |
| 95 Petrol | R23.36 | R26.63 |
| Diesel 0.05% Wholesale | R25.90 | R32.09 |
| Diesel 0.005% Wholesale | R26.11 | R32.30 |
From CLC Trucks we would like to wish you all a May month that is filled with growth and good business.
– Cobus Lourens –
