South Africa's new vehicle market grew again in October, with 61,890 units sold domestically, up 5,839 vehicles or 10.4% on the 56,051 sold in October 2025, according to the Automotive Business Council (naamsa).
The council said the market "recorded continued growth in October 2026, despite persistent cost-of-living pressures affecting consumers."
Passenger cars lead the growth
Passenger car sales rose 13.6% to 45,084 units from 39,704. Light commercial vehicles, which include bakkies and minibuses, rose 2.2% to 13,689. Medium commercial vehicles slipped 0.9% to 770, while heavy commercial vehicles and buses rose 8.1% to 2,347, naamsa figures show.
Who is buying
Dealer sales made up 48,234 units, or 78.0% of the total. The rental industry took 16.5% of all domestic sales and 21.4% of new passenger car sales. Government accounted for 3.3% and corporate fleets for 2.2%.
Exports
Vehicle exports reached 38,117 units, up 21.1% on September and up 6.3% on October last year. Cumulative exports for January to October are still 8.3% below the same period in 2025, naamsa said.
