According to Naamsa, May 2025 proved a turning point for South Africa’s automotive sector. Here is the country’s Top 10 most loved brands from the month, with Toyota holding its spot up front. 
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Naamsa went on to credit the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) for cutting the repo rate by 25 basis points, which was a move widely applauded by other industry leaders. The rate cut comes as a welcome relief to both consumers and manufacturers, following months of monetary policy tightening and economic uncertainty.
“The SARB’s latest decision to lower interest rates is both timely and commendable,” said naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa. “It directly supports consumer affordability and boosts production competitiveness at a time when global uncertainty is weighing heavily on our export markets.”
The rate cut, supported by easing inflation now at 2.8% and renewed Rand strength, is expected to stimulate domestic demand and enhance manufacturing competitiveness. According to the group, with borrowing costs down and inflation expectations anchored, the policy shift offers a much-needed boost for consumer spending and capital investment in the auto sector. This monetary easing has lent itself well to an upswing in domestic sales during May 2025. Total new vehicle sales reached 45 308 units, up 22.0% from May 2024. Passenger car sales led the charge, rising 30.0% year-on-year to 31 741 units, with car rental companies accounting for 8.5% of these purchases. Light commercial vehicles posted a 5.8% gain, while medium and heavy trucks saw growth of 22.7% and 6.7%, respectively.
Related: Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands — March 2025
It wasn’t all good news though since vehicle exports fell 14.6% year-on-year to 30 112 units, largely due to a scheduled production halt by Volkswagen preparing for a new model rollout. Despite this dip, year-to-date exports remain 1.4% higher than the same period in 2024. Looking ahead, the industry sees promise in the SARB’s cautious but supportive stance. Continued dialogue about revising the inflation target from 4.5% to 3.0% could pave the way for structurally lower interest rates, transformative for both consumers and manufacturers.
Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands in SA for May 2025
- Toyota – 10 330 (- 36 units)
- Suzuki Auto – 5 536 (- 441 units)
- Volkswagen Group SA – 4 582 (+ 609 units)
- Hyundai – 3 251 (+ 244 units)
- Ford – 2 932 (+ 534 units)
- GWM SA – 2 069 (+ 126 units)
- Chery Auto – 1 995 (+ 143 units)
- Isuzu Motors – 1 961 (+ 578 units)
- Mahindra – 1 524 (+ 246 units)
- Kia South Africa– 1 406 (+ 129 units)
In May 2025, South Africa’s new vehicle market saw eight of the top ten manufacturers recording growth from the preceding month. Toyota retained its position as the market leader with 10 330 units sold, although this reflected a slight decline of 36 units. Runner-up Suzuki also saw a drop, albeit more sizable at 441 units but has retained its second place in the list with 5 536 total sales during the period. Volkswagen Group SA enjoyed a 609 unit surge and tallied 4 582 total sales rounding up the podium places. Much of the list remained unchanged from April, but Renault dropped off in favour of Kia South Africa, which now occupies the final place.
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