VW Takes the Pole Position: SA’s Top 5 Car Exporters for August Revealed

VW Takes the Pole Position: SA’s Top 5 Car Exporters for August Revealed

While South Africans love a locally built Bakkie or SUV, our automotive industry’s real power is felt on docks and in dealerships across the globe. Last month, the wharves were busy as the country shipped out 37,500 vehicles to international markets, a solid increase from the 35,379 units exported in July.

This isn’t just about volume; it’s a high-stakes race between manufacturing giants. From the Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape to the production lines in Pretoria, here’s who came out on top in August 2025.

The August 2025 Export Podium

1. Volkswagen Group – 12,650 units (+145)
Holding onto the number one spot with an iron grip is Volkswagen. The German giant’s Kariega plant, which famously produces the iconic Polo and Polo Vivo, shipped a staggering 12,650 vehicles in August. This cements its status as a cornerstone of the Eastern Cape economy and a critical export hub for the VW group globally.

2. Ford Motor Company – 9,413 units (+2,155)
The story of the month, however, is Ford. The Blue Oval saw a meteoric rise, registering the largest increase of any manufacturera massive jump of 2,155 units. This surge pushed its total exports to 9,413 units, a clear sign that the demand for the ever-popular Ranger built at its Silverton Assembly Plant is burning bright overseas.

3. BMW Group – 5,200 units (-1,100)
Taking third place is BMW, which exported 5,200 of its new X3 models from its Rosslyn plant in Pretoria. While a figure that would be the envy of many, it represents a dip of 1,100 units from its July performance, showing the natural ebbs and flows of global demand for premium models.

The Best of the Rest

4. Toyota South Africa Motors – 4,770 units (+506)
In fourth place is Toyota, a brand that dominates local sales with its Hilux and Corolla Cross. Its export numbers saw a healthy boost of 506 units, with 4,770 vehicles leaving its massive Durban-based Prospecton plant for foreign shores.

5. Mercedes-Benz SA – 3,950 units (+850)
Rounding out the top five is Mercedes-Benz, which also posted a strong gain. The East London plant, home to the C-Class, exported 3,950 unitsan increase of 850 from the previous month, signaling a robust recovery or fulfilling a large overseas order.

The Bigger Picture

This list is more than just a ranking; it’s a barometer for South Africa’s industrial health. These export figures represent billions of rands in foreign investment, thousands of sustained jobs, and a vital contribution to the country’s GDP. The fact that brands like VW and Ford are investing heavily and increasing output here is a powerful vote of confidence in South African craftsmanship and manufacturing capability.

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