Toyota Holds the Crown, But Suzuki is the Star of SA’s Record Car Sales Month

If you thought the new car lots in South Africa looked a little busier than usual last month, you weren’t imagining things. October 2025 just rewrote the record books, delivering the highest monthly new vehicle sales the country has seen in over a decade. The momentum from a strong September wasn’t just sustained; it was supercharged.

According to the latest figures from naamsa, the automotive industry’s collective engine is roaring, with 55,956 new vehicles finding homes. That’s a massive jump of 7,734 units compared to October last year, signalling a wave of consumer and business confidence that hasn’t been seen since the pre-pandemic era.

So, who are the big winners in this booming market? The podium looks familiar, but the stories behind the numbers reveal a fascinating battle for the heart of the South African driver.

The Unshakeable Top Three

For yet another month, the heavyweight champion of the local market remains Toyota. The Japanese giant moved an impressive 13,559 units. While that figure is actually a slight dip from its September performance, it still places Toyota in a league of its own, selling almost double its nearest competitor. It’s a testament to a brand so deeply woven into the national fabric that its dominance seems almost a given.

The real headline-grabber, however, is Suzuki Auto South Africa. Holding firm in second place, Suzuki didn’t just hold its groundit charged forward. With 6,890 units sold, the brand added an extra 818 cars to its September tally, recording the highest increase of any brand in the top 10. This relentless growth continues to prove that its recipe of value-packed, compact, and fuel-efficient cars is hitting the sweet spot for a cost-conscious market.

Completing the top three, Volkswagen also enjoyed a solid month. The German brand registered 6,221 sales, a strong increase of 458 units, showing that its consistent appeal in the family car segment remains a powerful force.

The Mid-Table Shuffle

Beyond the podium, the competition is fierce and the positions are fluid. In October, Hyundai managed to nudge past Ford to reclaim fourth place. Hyundai’s 3,017 sales, a slight increase, were just enough to overtake Ford, which saw a minor contraction to 2,946 units.

Further down, the battle is just as interesting. GWM (Great Wall Motors) continues its strong upward trajectory in sixth place, while Isuzu solidifies its reputation with a notable jump of 306 units to hold seventh. The consistent performance of these brands highlights a growing consumer willingness to explore beyond the traditional European and Japanese stalwarts.

Chinese manufacturer Chery held eighth place, with Kia and Mahindra rounding out the top ten. The fact that Mahindra retained its spot, just ahead of a brand like Renault, speaks volumes about how diverse the South African buyer’s consideration list has become.

What’s Driving the Boom?

A sales figure this strong doesn’t happen in a vacuum. This record-breaking performance suggests that despite well-publicized economic headwinds like load-shedding and inflation, there is underlying resilience. Several factors are likely at play: improved vehicle inventory after years of supply chain disruptions, pent-up demand from both private buyers and rental companies, and attractive financing deals are all fuelling the surge.

For South Africans, this isn’t just a list of numbers; it’s a barometer of economic sentiment. When people and businesses feel confident enough to commit to a major purchase like a new car, it signals a belief in the road ahead. And right now, if the sales charts are to be believed, that road looks busierand more competitivethan it has in a very long time.

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