Vehicle market picks up with more than 50 000 new cars sold in July
Updated Aug. 6, 2026, 4:25 p.m. | By Faith Modise South Africa's automotive market continues to show resilience despite ongoing economic uncertainty, as the…
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Updated Aug. 6, 2026, 4:25 p.m. | By Faith Modise
South Africa's automotive market continues to show resilience despite ongoing economic uncertainty, as the country’s vehicle market recorded a jump in the sale of new cars.
At the same time, more than 40 000 units of passenger cars were sold in the month of July.
According to WesBank, aggregate domestic new vehicle sales rose to more than 50 000 units in July, up 11.9% year-on-year.
WesBank said this was the best sales ever recorded in 12 years.
The sales happened the same month; petrol decreased by R2.01 and R1.96.
Speaking to Jacaranda NewsWatch, the Senior Automotive Journalist at Cars.co.za, Ciro De Siena said confidence in the market remains relatively strong, with banks competing more aggressively to attract vehicle buyers.
"There does seem to be a lot of confidence in the market. I have a feeling the banks are being quite aggressive with their loans; they're trying to buy market share.”
He explained that some lenders have lowered their credit score thresholds, allowing more consumers to qualify for vehicle finance.
Beyond easier access to finance, De Siena said South African motorists are benefiting from increased competition among vehicle manufacturers.
"I mean, compared to just five years ago, we've now got 28 Chinese brands on our roads and a few Indian brands. The pricing of those new entrants has brought down the pricing of the legacy brands."
According to De Siena, the wider selection of vehicles and more competitive pricing are making vehicle ownership increasingly attainable for many South African families.
He reiterated that Premium manufacturers are also making use of Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) finance products to make expensive vehicles more affordable.
CHINESE VEHICLE BRAND RAPID RISE
De Siena made an example with the Chery vehicle brand as one of the biggest success stories in South Africa's automotive industry along with its associated brands.
De Siena said Chery's strategy of introducing multiple brands into the South African market has significantly strengthened its position.
"They've got a lot of choices. They've got a lot of cars, a lot of different price points so that they can suit and appeal to a lot of different consumers."
According to De Siena, Chery's combined sales across its various brands now rival some of South Africa's most established manufacturers.
BUYERS URGED TO FOCUS ON AFFORDABILITY
While market conditions remain favorable, De Siena cautioned potential buyers against focusing solely on monthly instalments.
He stressed that the true cost of vehicle ownership extends beyond finance repayments.
"You've got to remember that insurance, petrol, tyres and servicing all add to the total cost. You've got to look at the affordability of your life and the total cost that the car is going to bring into your life."
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