Despite the negative economic pressure like the rise of interest rates, high fuel prices, load shedding and ongoing stock supply shortages, the new vehicle market continues to show steady growth in sales.

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), a total number of 43 059 vehicles have been sold in January 2023. This is an increase of 2 006 units from the 41 503 vehicles sold in January 2022.

Out of the total reported industry sales of 43 509 vehicles, an estimated 36 353 units or 83,6%, represented dealer sales, an estimated 12,1% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry, 2,2% sales to government, and 2,1% to industry corporate fleets.

Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini buses contributed 10 622 units during January and recorded an increase of 998 units, or a gain of 10,4%, from the 9,624 light commercial vehicles sold during January 2022.

Top 10 best-selling brands for January 2023

• Toyota – 12 532
• Volkswagen Group SA – 5 081
• Suzuki Auto – 4 357
• Nissan – 2 927
• Hyundai – 2 525
• Renault – 2 051
• Kia South Africa – 1 686
• Ford – 1 565
• Haval Motors SA – 1 527
• Isuzu Motors SA – 1 327

Toyota still retains its top spot as the best-selling brand, kicking off the 2023 retail calendar with a commendable number of total units sold in January. Renault and Kia have impressed with surprisingly strong performances which sees them being placed just after the industry heavyweights.

Vehicle exports performed weaker in January 2023 compared to the corresponding month 2022 but the export momentum remains upward. The January 2023 export sales number at 20 536 units reflected a decline of 367 vehicles or 1,8%, compared to the 20 903 vehicles exported in January 2022.