South Africa’s new-vehicle market continued to grow in August, with sales increasing by 11.4% compared with the same month in 2025. A total of 57 898 new vehicles were sold during the month, showing that demand for new cars, bakkies and commercial vehicles remains relatively strong despite pressure on household and business budgets.
For South Africans looking to buy a car, the figures come at a time when affordability is about more than simply getting approved for vehicle finance. Fuel, insurance, maintenance and monthly repayments all form part of the cost of owning a vehicle, and these expenses can make a big difference to a household budget.
Passenger vehicle sales reached 41 216 units in August, an 11.6% increase compared with August 2025. Light commercial vehicles, including bakkies, panel vans and minibuses, also recorded strong growth, rising 11% to 13 727 units. Medium truck sales increased by 16.3%, while extra-heavy commercial vehicle sales climbed by 24.2%. Heavy truck sales were the exception, falling by 8.8%, with possible stock shortages cited as one factor.
The continued growth in new vehicle sales also comes as more motorists look at vehicles that could help them manage their running costs. New-energy vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, are gaining ground in South Africa.
According to naamsa, 16 289 new-energy vehicles had been sold between January and the end of July 2026. This included 8 078 hybrids, 5 851 plug-in hybrids and 2 360 battery-electric vehicles. By the end of July, sales had already reached 97.5% of the total number of new-energy vehicles sold during all of 2025.
For everyday motorists, this shift is significant because fuel consumption is increasingly becoming part of the vehicle-buying conversation. Petrol prices rose by R1.34 a litre in September, while wholesale diesel prices increased by between R2.93 and R3.15 a litre, adding further pressure to the cost of running a vehicle.
Motorists and businesses are increasingly having to consider the full cost of vehicle ownership. This includes the purchase price or monthly instalment, fuel consumption, maintenance, insurance and how often the vehicle will be used.
At the same time, the increase in new vehicle sales does not mean every household is finding it easy to afford a car. Vehicle affordability can vary considerably depending on income, financing terms, fuel consumption and other household expenses.
South Africa’s vehicle export market also presented a different picture in August. New-vehicle exports fell by 11.9% year on year to 35 091 units. The decline highlights the difference between stronger local demand and the challenges facing South Africa’s vehicle export industry.
The domestic market nevertheless provides an important boost for vehicle dealers, manufacturers and businesses linked to the automotive industry. Stronger sales of commercial vehicles, particularly extra-heavy trucks, could also point to increased activity in parts of the wider economy, including construction.
For consumers, the latest vehicle sales figures offer a useful reminder that buying a car should not be based only on the advertised price or monthly repayment. A vehicle that appears affordable at the dealership can cost considerably more once fuel, insurance, servicing and other running expenses are included.
With new vehicle sales continuing to rise, South Africa’s automotive market is showing signs of sustained consumer and business demand. But as fuel prices and other living costs change, motorists are likely to remain focused not only on which vehicle they can buy, but also on how much it will cost to keep it on the road.
