The Automotive Business Council reports that the South African new vehicle market entered 2026 with sustained momentum, confirming that the positive trajectory established during 2025 has carried decisively into the new year.
Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in January 2026, at 50,073, reflected an increase of 3,479 units, or a gain of 7,5%, compared to the 46,594 vehicles sold in January 2025. Export sales increased to 24,568 units, representing a gain of 136 units, or 0,6%, compared to the 24,432 vehicles exported in January 2025.
naamsa notes that the January 2026 performance reflects not merely a carry-over or base effect, but a material improvement in underlying demand conditions, supported by moderating inflation, stable macroeconomic variables, and a resilient consumer base.
Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 50,073 vehicles, an estimated 42,753 units, or 85,4%, represented dealer sales, an estimated 10,9% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry,…
