As Namsa, May 2025 proved a significant turn for South Africa’s motor vehicle region. The top 10 most liked brands in the country are here, in which Toyota has put his place in front. 
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Namsa credited the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to cut the repo rate of 25 basis points, which was a widely appreciated by other industry leaders. Monetary policy tightening and after months of economic uncertainty, the rate deduction comes as a welcome relief for both consumers and manufacturers.
“The latest decision to reduce the interest rates of SARB is timely and commendable,” said NAMSA CEO Mikel Mabasa. “It directly supports consumer strength and increases production competition at a time when global uncertainty is weighing heavily on our export markets.”
Decreasing the rate supported by reducing inflation at 2.8% and renewing rand strength is expected to encourage domestic demand and increase manufacturing competition. According to the group, the cost of borrowing and anchor with expectations of inflation, the policy shift gives a very important boost for consumer expenses and capital investment in the auto sector. This monetary spontaneity has well lent himself in domestic sales during May 2025. The total new vehicle sales reached 45 308 units, from May 2024 to 22.0%. Passenger car sales led the charge, which increased 30.0% year-on 31 741 units with a purchase of 8.5% with companies hiring. Light commercial vehicles posted a profit of 5.8%, while medium and heavy trucks saw an increase of 22.7% and 6.7% respectively.
Connected: Top 10 best selling car brand-March 2025
All this was not good news, as the vehicle export fell 14.6% year-on-year to 30 112 units, roughly due to a fixed production stop for the preparation of a new model rollout by Volkswagen. Despite this dip, the year-to-year exports are 1.4% higher than the same period in 2024. Looking forward, the industry promises in SARB’s cautious but supporting stance. Constant dialogues about modifying the inflation target from 4.5% to 3.0% can pave the way of transformationally low interest rates, transformationals for both consumers and manufacturers.
Top 10 best selling car brand in SA for May 2025
- Toyota – 10 330 (- 36 units)
- Suzuki Auto – 5 536 (- 441 units)
- Volkswagen Group SA – 4 582 (+ 609 units)
- Hyundai – 3 251 (+ 244 units)
- Paid – 2 932 (+ 534 units)
- GWM SA – 2 069 (+ 126 units)
- Cher auto – 1995 (+ 143 units)
- Isuzu Motors – 1961 (+ 578 units)
- Mahindra – 1 524 (+ 246 units)
- Kia South Africa, 1 406 (+ 129 units)
In May 2025, eight of the top ten manufacturers in South Africa’s new vehicle market recorded an increase from the earlier month. Toyota maintained his position as a market leader with 10 330 units, although it reflects a slight decline of 36 units. Runner-up Suzuki also saw a drop, although 441 units are larger in units, but during this period, he has retained its second place in the list with a total of 536 total sales. The Volkswagen Group SA enjoyed an increase of 609 units and prolonged a total of 4 582 total sales at podium locations. Most of the list remained unchanged since April, but Renault Kia fell in favor of South Africa, which is now in the last place.
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