Hilux loses its top spot as January SA car sales surge
Toyota remains SA’s favourite brand but Suzuki overtakes VW for second
03 February 2025 - 16:21
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Suzuki overtakes VW as the second most popular brand, as the new Swift becomes its top selling model. Picture: SUPPLIED
The positive momentum of the fourth quarter of 2024 continued into January, with new vehicle sales posting a healthy increase.
According to motor industry umbrella body Naamsa, the 46,398 units sold in SA last month reflected a 10.4% gain over January 2024. Though the overall market was up due to an 18.3% increase in passenger car sales to 34,530 units, commercial vehicle sales remained depressed as per the recent trend. Light commercial vehicles, including bakkies and minibuses, decreased 9.1% to 9,901 units compared with January 2024.
“The positive start to the year, marked by higher new vehicle sales, a further interest rate cut of 25 basis points during the month and well-controlled inflation, along with promising prospects for a significantly improved domestic economic outlook, all contribute to a sense of optimism as we embark on 2025,” said Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa.
“The possibility of further interest rate cuts by the central bank in 2025 would not only enhance vehicle affordability but also foster a revival in business and consumer sentiment. The South African Reserve Bank projects a notable improvement in the country’s GDP growth rate of 1.5% for 2025, with some commentators even projecting even more optimistic figures of about 2%.”
Export sales increased by 29.7% to 25,348 units in January compared to the same month last year.
Mabasa warned that while the inflation outlook for the second half of the year remains positive, new inflation risks had emerged, including the expected rise in trade tariffs and an electricity tariff increase of 12.74% on April 1.
“However, early indicators suggest a potential turning point for the new vehicle market in 2025, driven by stronger economic prospects, growing consumer and business confidence, and improving new vehicle sales data.”
Toyota remained SA’s favourite brand last month, with 12,152 sales, but Suzuki (6,399) overtook Volkswagen (5,676) for second place. Suzuki’s performance was driven by the new generation Swift hatchback hitting the top of the charts as Mzansi’s top-selling model for the first time, bumping the Toyota Hilux from its traditional position.
Hyundai was fourth on 2,760 units, followed by Ford (2,467), Chery (1,913), GWM (1,756), Isuzu (1,733), Mahindra (1,463), Kia (1,428), Renault (1,409), BMW Group (1,184), Nissan (1,162), Omoda and Jaecoo (743) and Jetour (451) rounding out the top 15.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
NEWS
Hilux loses its top spot as January SA car sales surge
Toyota remains SA’s favourite brand but Suzuki overtakes VW for second
The positive momentum of the fourth quarter of 2024 continued into January, with new vehicle sales posting a healthy increase.
According to motor industry umbrella body Naamsa, the 46,398 units sold in SA last month reflected a 10.4% gain over January 2024. Though the overall market was up due to an 18.3% increase in passenger car sales to 34,530 units, commercial vehicle sales remained depressed as per the recent trend. Light commercial vehicles, including bakkies and minibuses, decreased 9.1% to 9,901 units compared with January 2024.
“The positive start to the year, marked by higher new vehicle sales, a further interest rate cut of 25 basis points during the month and well-controlled inflation, along with promising prospects for a significantly improved domestic economic outlook, all contribute to a sense of optimism as we embark on 2025,” said Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa.
“The possibility of further interest rate cuts by the central bank in 2025 would not only enhance vehicle affordability but also foster a revival in business and consumer sentiment. The South African Reserve Bank projects a notable improvement in the country’s GDP growth rate of 1.5% for 2025, with some commentators even projecting even more optimistic figures of about 2%.”
Export sales increased by 29.7% to 25,348 units in January compared to the same month last year.
Mabasa warned that while the inflation outlook for the second half of the year remains positive, new inflation risks had emerged, including the expected rise in trade tariffs and an electricity tariff increase of 12.74% on April 1.
“However, early indicators suggest a potential turning point for the new vehicle market in 2025, driven by stronger economic prospects, growing consumer and business confidence, and improving new vehicle sales data.”
Toyota remained SA’s favourite brand last month, with 12,152 sales, but Suzuki (6,399) overtook Volkswagen (5,676) for second place. Suzuki’s performance was driven by the new generation Swift hatchback hitting the top of the charts as Mzansi’s top-selling model for the first time, bumping the Toyota Hilux from its traditional position.
Hyundai was fourth on 2,760 units, followed by Ford (2,467), Chery (1,913), GWM (1,756), Isuzu (1,733), Mahindra (1,463), Kia (1,428), Renault (1,409), BMW Group (1,184), Nissan (1,162), Omoda and Jaecoo (743) and Jetour (451) rounding out the top 15.
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