The Toyota Starlet also enjoyed a stronger-than usual sales month thanks to the rental industry, which accounted for 1,250 of its 2,180 total.

The light commercial vehicle industry, by contrast, fell by 9.1% versus the same month last year, albeit this deficit is partly due to the discontinuation of the Nissan NP200.

Overall vehicle sales, as reported by Naamsa, increased by 10.4% year-on-year to 46,398 units.

South Africa’s 30 best-selling vehicles: January 2025

Suzuki Swift - 2,628
Toyota Hilux - 2,557
Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 2,549
Toyota Starlet - 2,180
Ford Ranger - 1,858
Isuzu D-Max - 1,413
Toyota Corolla Cross - 1,266
Hyundai Grand i10 - 1,163
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro - 1,122
Haval Jolion - 1,099
Toyota Starlet Cross - 1,050
Toyota Urban Cruiser - 890
Kia Sonet - 830
Toyota Vitz - 825
Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up - 801
Suzuki Fronx - 771
Volkswagen Polo - 754
Nissan Magnite - 698
Toyota Fortuner - 652
Suzuki Ertiga - 637
Toyota Hi-Ace - 559
Volkswagen T-Cross - 555
Toyota Land Cruiser PU - 531
Omoda C5 - 517
Mahindra XUV 3X0 - 494
Renault Kwid - 477
Renault Triber - 472
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro - 413
Suzuki Baleno - 406
Renault Kiger - 396

Top manufacturers:

Toyota - 12,152
Suzuki Auto - 6,399
Volkswagen - 5.676
Hyundai - 2,760
Ford - 2,467
Chery - 1,913
GWM - 1,756
Isuzu - 1,733
Mahindra - 1,463
Kia - 1,428

Naamsa said the recent 25 basis point interest rate cut along with well-controlled inflation has led to a sense of optimism in the market, while further anticipated rate cuts could boost affordability and overall sentiment further.

However, several potential challenges lie ahead, according to Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

"Affordability continues to be a concern as the cost of living rises, compounded by a fourth successive fuel price hike, electricity increases, and the looming possibility of further load shedding. Additionally, there is the threat of tariffs and a freeze on funding from the United States," Cohen said.

South African vehicle exports saw a welcome increase of 29.7% year-on-year, with 19,545 locally built vehicles being shipped abroad in January.

IOL