By Aisha Zardad
South Africa’s automotive market continues to grow at a strong pace. In October 2025, the country recorded 55,956 new-vehicle sales, the highest monthly total since March 2015. According to naamsa, this represents a 7,734-unit increase over October 2024, highlighting rising consumer demand and a competitive market landscape.
From established Japanese brands to emerging Chinese players, the October sales chart reveals which manufacturers are leading the way.
Top 10 Best-Selling Brands in October 2025
| Rank | Brand | Units Sold | Change vs Sep 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota | 13,559 | ↓587 |
| 2 | Suzuki | 6,890 | ↑818 |
| 3 | Volkswagen | 6,221 | ↑458 |
| 4 | Hyundai | 3,017 | ↑12 |
| 5 | Ford | 2,946 | ↓147 |
| 6 | GWM | 2,805 | ↑185 |
| 7 | Isuzu | 2,784 | ↑306 |
| 8 | Chery | 2,210 | ↓54 |
| 9 | Kia | 1,808 | ↑102 |
| 10 | Mahindra | 1,551 | ↑27 |
Market Insights
- Toyota maintains its leadership position, demonstrating continued reliability and strong brand loyalty among South African buyers.
- Suzuki continues to climb, benefiting from growing popularity in the compact and affordable vehicle segments.
- Volkswagen and Hyundai showed small gains, keeping them competitive in their respective markets.
- Chinese brands like Chery and GWM are steadily gaining traction, reflecting increasing consumer confidence in non-traditional car brands.
Auto Lounge Take
The October 2025 figures highlight a vibrant and evolving South African car market.
- Buyers now have more choices, better pricing, and innovative features across all segments.
- The continued growth of Chinese automakers shows a shift in consumer preferences, particularly in the SUV and compact markets.
- Established brands remain competitive, emphasizing quality, performance, and resale value.
