Motoring
Toyota holds the crown: South Africa’s top 10 best-selling car brands in June 2025
June was another gear shift forward for South Africa’s automotive market, with local dealerships recording some of their strongest sales in months. Toyota extended its lead, Ford climbed up the ranks, and BMW sneaked into the top 10 — all signs that the second half of 2025 could be a competitive ride for car brands.
Sales Rise as the Market Finds Its Rhythm
South Africa’s new car sales for June reached 47 294 units, according to the Automotive Business Council (naamsa), reflecting a solid 18.7% jump compared to the same time last year. With nearly 86% of all sales coming from dealerships, it’s clear that everyday South Africans are still keen to invest in new wheels, despite rising living costs and fuel prices that continue to fluctuate.
Passenger cars were the standout performers, with 32 570 units sold — up over 21% year-on-year — while light commercial vehicles (LCVs), including the country’s beloved bakkies and mini-buses, recorded a respectable 14.9% increase at 12 129 units.
The Top 10 Best Selling Car Brands in South Africa (June 2025)
According to the latest figures, here’s how the country’s most popular car brands performed in June:
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Toyota – 11 690 units
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Suzuki – 5 221 units
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Volkswagen – 4 973 units
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Ford – 3 058 units
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Hyundai – 2 905 units
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GWM – 2 288 units
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Chery – 2 101 units
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Isuzu – 2 087 units
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Mahindra – 1 483 units
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BMW Group – 1 349 units
Toyota, long considered the king of the road in Mzansi, not only retained its top spot but increased its monthly sales by over 1 300 units. Its consistent performance has been bolstered by its wide range of locally loved models — from the fuel-efficient Starlet to the rugged Hilux.
Meanwhile, Suzuki and Volkswagen stayed steady in second and third. Suzuki’s slight dip didn’t stop it from staying well ahead of the pack, while VW saw a healthy bounce with nearly 400 more sales than in May.
Ford, on the other hand, was the biggest mover. The brand overtook Hyundai to clinch fourth place, riding high on local appetite for the Ranger and other utility-focused models.
Kia, Renault and Nissan Slip from the Leaderboard
While some brands celebrated, others slipped. Kia, which held 10th place in May, dropped to 12th after selling just 1 230 units. Renault narrowly missed out on the top 10 with 1 318 units, and Nissan followed with 1 183.
Chinese newcomers Omoda and Jaecoo (which share showrooms) and Jetour also featured in the top 15, showing growing interest in budget-friendly alternatives with bold designs and digital features.
What’s Driving the Buying Spree?
According to naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa, South Africa’s car market is proving more resilient than many expected.
“The first half of 2025 has shown just how resilient and responsive our domestic market truly is. Strong consumer demand, supported by positive economic fundamentals, has helped the automotive sector deliver impressive growth amid global turbulence,” Mabasa said.
Locally, buyers seem to be prioritising value, reliability and after-sales service — key reasons why Toyota, Suzuki and Volkswagen continue to perform. New car finance packages, low-interest incentives, and the need for reliable transport in load-shedding and water-shedding environments are also playing a role.
Social Buzz: Consumers weigh in
On platforms like TikTok and X, car lovers and first-time buyers are actively sharing their experiences. Videos of new Chery models are racking up thousands of views, while many are praising Mahindra’s affordability.
A post on Facebook group Cars for South Africans joked, “If Toyota was a person, it would be that cousin who’s good at everything. Every month they’re on top!”
What to Expect Next?
With interest in hybrid and EV models slowly gaining traction, and brands like GWM and Chery increasing their local footprint, the next six months could bring even more shakeups to the rankings.
For now, though, Toyota remains untouchable. But the race is on — and South African buyers are spoilt for choice.
Source:The Citizen
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