Top-Selling Car Brands in South Africa: Best Performers in July 2025
The South African automotive market maintained its strong trajectory in July 2025, delivering an impressive monthly sales figure of 51,383 vehicles, a notable 15.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Toyota Dominates the Market
As has become the norm, Toyota once again asserted its dominance by a significant margin, moving 12,694 units in July. This figure is more than double that of the second-place brand, reinforcing Toyota’s stronghold on the local market.
Strong Showings From Suzuki and VW
Suzuki continued its upward climb with 6,257 vehicles sold, solidifying its second-place position and demonstrating sustained appeal among budget-conscious buyers. Volkswagen (VW) followed closely with 5,738 units, rounding out the top three and reaffirming its loyal customer base in South Africa.
A highlight this month was Hyundai’s performance, which saw the brand rise to fourth place with 3,161 sales, nudging past Ford, which ended the month with 2,877 units. This reflects a consistent battle in the mid-tier segment of the market.
Competitive Midfield: GWM, Isuzu, and Chery
In the middle of the pack, GWM (Great Wall Motors) strengthened its position in sixth place with 2,436 sales, widening the gap over rival Chinese automaker Chery, which secured eighth with 2,160 units. Isuzu, known for its strong commercial presence, slotted into seventh with 2,427 units, just nine fewer than GWM.
Kia claimed ninth place with 1,891 sales, while Mahindra completed the list in tenth, managing 1,441 units. Notably, BMW dropped out of the top ten this month, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and intensified competition.
Sales Breakdown by Segment
Dealer sales made up the bulk of activity, accounting for 83.1%, or 42,700 vehicles.
Rental fleets absorbed 11.1% of total sales.
Government purchases accounted for 3.1%, while industry fleets made up the remaining 2.7%.
Passenger car sales saw a strong boost, growing 20.1% year-on-year to total 36,248 units, while light commercial vehicles such as bakkies improved by 6.9%, reaching 12,356 units.
Exports Show Resilience Despite Tariff Concerns
Although vehicle exports declined slightly by 1.9% in July, this is viewed as a sign of resilience, especially in light of the US import tariffs introduced in April. With a new 30% tariff set to take effect in August, the industry faces growing uncertainty. Still, July’s figures suggest that South African manufacturers have, for now, managed to navigate the turbulence effectively.
July 2025 Top-Selling Car Brands in South Africa
| Rank | Brand | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota | 12,694 |
| 2 | Suzuki | 6,257 |
| 3 | VW | 5,738 |
| 4 | Hyundai | 3,161 |
| 5 | Ford | 2,877 |
| 6 | GWM | 2,436 |
| 7 | Isuzu | 2,427 |
| 8 | Chery | 2,160 |
| 9 | Kia | 1,891 |
| 10 | Mahindra | 1,441 |
South Africa’s automotive sector continues to show resilience and growth despite global trade pressures. While Toyota remains the market leader by a considerable margin, the battle for the rest of the top ten remains fierce and dynamic.
Related article: Best-Selling Bakkies in South Africa for 2025—Top Picks So Far
