South Africa’s new vehicle market extended its growth momentum in June, Fuel price reduction, and Daimler Truck Southern Africa Reaches Milestone with 150,000th Truck Assembled at East London plant.
Total domestic new vehicle sales in June 2026 reached 54 482 units, the best overall June monthly performance since 2007, representing an increase of 15,3% compared to the 47,269 vehicles sold in June 2025. Export sales however decreased to 33 879 units, a shrinking of 6,9% against the 36 377 units shipped in June 2025.
The June 2026 new passenger car market at 38 393 units recorded an increase of 5 882 units compared to the 32 511 new cars sold in June 2025.
Sales in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments reflected a positive performance during June 2026. Medium commercial vehicle sales increased slightly at 647 units recorded compared to the 643 units sold in June 2025, while heavy trucks and buses, at 2 271 units, reflected a 15,9% increase compared to the 1 960 units sold in June 2025.
The medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment is beginning to reflect encouraging signs of improving economic activity and business confidence.
Demand for commercial vehicles remains closely linked to investment, freight movement, construction, mining, agriculture, and logistics activity. Notably, the 2025 World Bank Container Port Performance Index, ranked Durban as the most improved container port globally, while both Geberha (Port Elizabeth) and Ngqura featured among the world’s top-performing ports for year-on-year improvements. These gains, supported by greater private-sector participation, together with Transnet’s increase in vessel traffic and cargo throughput during 2025/26, point to a gradual strengthening of freight and trade activity. For the Truck market, these developments are encouraging, as improving logistics efficiency and higher freight volumes typically lead to increased fleet utilisation, stronger replacement demand, and renewed investment in commercial vehicles over the medium term.
The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has published the official fuel price adjustments that came in effect on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
June saw oil prices crash to around $75 by month-end, following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran that reopened the Strait of Hormuz.
The price reductions are as follows:
Petrol 93 – R2,01
Petrol 95 – R1,96
Diesel 0,05. – R3 14
Diesel 0,005 – R3,59
A Milestone Worth Celebrating:
South Africa’s commercial vehicle industry reached a remarkable milestone earlier this month when the Mercedes-Benz truck assembly plant in East London celebrated the production of its 150,000 th truck. The landmark vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz Actros, rolled off the production line more than six decades after the first locally assembled Mercedes-Benz truck was built at the facility in 1962. This achievement is not only a testament to the strength of the Mercedes-Benz brand but also to the dedication, skill, and commitment of the thousands of people who have contributed to the plant’s success over the years.
This milestone highlights the important role local manufacturing continues to play in South Africa’s economy. The East London plant has created jobs, developed technical expertise, and supplied reliable commercial vehicles that keep businesses moving across the country and beyond. In an industry that forms the backbone of trade and logistics, reaching 150 000 units, is a reminder of what can be achieved through long-term investment, innovation, and a commitment to quality.
Congratulations to the entire team behind this remarkable accomplishment.
In closing, a warm thank you to Naamsa for their reliable and timely sales data, and from everyone at CLC Trucks, may July be a month filled with success, growth, and prosperity.
