- 61 890 new vehicles sold in October.
- Up 10,4% on October 2025.
- Passenger cars up 13,6% to 45 084.
- Year-to-date sales reach 554 081 units.
- Fuel levy cut starts 4 November.
South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded 61 890 sales in October, 10,4% more than the 56 051 sold in October 2025, according to naamsa | the Automotive Business Council. With one fewer working day than a year earlier, the daily selling rate was approximately 15% higher year-on-year.
“October last year was already one of the strongest months the market had seen in a decade,” says Thanda Sithole, Senior Economist: FNB and WesBank, adding that the growth points to sustained demand despite pressure on household budgets.
Passenger cars lead October growth
Passenger cars were the main contributor, rising 13,6% to 45 084 units. Rental companies took 21,4% of passenger car sales, up from 18,4% in September. Light commercial vehicle sales increased 2,2% to 13 689 units and heavy trucks and buses grew 8,1%, while medium commercial vehicles recorded a marginal decline.
WesBank finance data shows affordability focus
Applications for new vehicle finance at WesBank increased by more than a fifth year-on-year, while used vehicle applications remained broadly flat. The average value of a new vehicle finance deal has stayed broadly unchanged despite higher vehicle prices, which Sithole says suggests buyers are favouring more affordable models and specifications.
Repayment terms are lengthening across new and used vehicles, more customers prefer fixed interest rates and fewer agreements include balloon payments. This comes after two interest rate increases took the prime lending rate to 10,75%, while Statistics South Africa’s September data shows fuel prices 27,9% higher than a year earlier and diesel up 46%.
Fuel levy relief and electrified vehicles
A temporary fuel levy reduction announced in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement takes effect on 4 November. Petrol drops by R1,50 per litre and diesel by R3 per litre until 1 December, followed by reductions of R1 and R1,50 per litre respectively until 5 January 2027.
Sales of new energy vehicles, covering hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles, reached 22 389 units in the first nine months, already 34% above the full-year 2025 total. Plug-in hybrids and battery electric models make up just over half, and battery electric vehicles are now available below R360 000.
Year-to-date sales and outlook
Year-to-date sales stand at 554 081 units, 12,3% ahead of the same period in 2025. December traditionally brings softer sales, and the Reserve Bank’s interest rate announcement on 19 November will be the next key point for buyers, who Sithole says should weigh fuel, insurance, maintenance and finance repayments before committing to a purchase.
Supplied by MotorPress (WesBank)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
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