In March 2025, South Africa’s vehicle exports saw growth for the first time in 10 months. Here are the top five vehicle exporters from the period…
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Despite the ongoing global trade uncertainties, South Africa’s March 2025 vehicle exports demonstrated strength in the complex economic landscape. Said naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa, “The rebound in export sales is testament to the resilience of South Africa’s automotive sector.” Being a critical contributor to local gross domestic product (GDP), the automotive manufacturing segment needs to retain vital global relationships in an ever-competitive market to ensure future longevity and increased job creation and growth. This has been difficult with political tensions and tariff announcements in the United States.
Said naamsa, the Automotive Business Council of South Africa:
“This export growth coincided with this week’s US presidential announcement threatening the future of South African exports, further underscoring the sector’s ability to withstand geopolitical shifts. The surge in overseas demand for locally manufactured vehicles reaffirms South Africa’s competitiveness in the global automotive market.”
Related: SA Exports Plummet in 2024 Amidst Affordable Chinese Competition
In March 2025, a total of 39 477 vehicles, a significant increase of 31.1%, were exported from South Africa to global markets. Noteworthy, this increase signifies the first time in 10 months that South Africa’s vehicle exports saw growth. This, naamsa says, signals renewed momentum in South Africa’s trade position.
South Africa’s top five vehicle exporters were Volkswagen, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Ford. Compared to February 2025, Volkswagen’s exports saw an increase of 776 units, while Toyota and BMW’s 7 092 and 6 125 signifying increases of 1 124 and 1 825 units, respectively. Mercedes-Benz’s exports remained steady at 6 700 units, while Ford saw a decline of 77 units.
SA’s Top 5 Vehicle Exporters in March 2025
- Volkswagen Group SA — 11 462 (+776 units)
- Toyota — 7 092 (+1 124 units)
- Mercedes-Benz SA — 6 700 (—)
- BMW Group — 6 125 (+1 825 units)
- Ford Motor Company — 5 718 (-77 units)
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