Although the current shift in global trade policy poses challenges to vehicle exports, there was an increase in the number of vehicles exported from South Africa in June 2025. Here’s the breakdown and top five.
Despite the growing toll of geopolitical and trade-related disruptions to the market, in June 2025, South Africa’s vehicle exports registered increased by 7.9% (or 2 647 units) to 36 343 units compared to the same month in June 2024.
In June 2025, Volkswagen Group South Africa recorded the most significant increase in vehicle exports, with 12 159 units, an increase of 7 854, shipped from the German marque’s Kariega manufacturing plant to global shores. As a reminder, VW’s local assembly facility produces the (SA-only) Polo Vivo, Polo and, soon, Tengo entry-level compact crossover. It’s also the only production line where the Polo GTI is built.
Ford South Africa and BMW Group also saw increases in vehicle exports, with the former and latter’s June 2025 export figures trumping May 2025’s by 419 and 1 044 units, respectively. Locally, the Blue Oval brand produces the Ranger, South Africa’s second best-selling bakkie in June 2025, and the German marque, the X3. Noteworthy, the X3 30e is exclusively built in South Africa.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) saw a decline in vehicle exports, registering 4 900 and 4 247 exported units, respectively.
South Africa’s Top 5 Vehicle Exporters in June 2025
- Volkswagen Group SA — 12 159 units (up 7 854)
- Ford Motor Company — 7 382 units (up 419)
- BMW Group — 6 744 units (up 1 044)
- Mercedes-Benz SA — 4 900 units (down 1 700)
- Toyota — 4 247 units (down 1 319)
“South Africa’s automotive industry has long relied on a thriving export engine to sustain production volumes and attract investment. However, the current trade policy shifts, particularly from the United States, pose a real challenge to this model,” said Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa.
Mabasa added: “To address this, our response must be strategic: diversifying markets, expanding regional trade, and continuing to advocate for fair and rules-based global trade systems.”
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