South Africa’s automotive market in 2024 saw some familiar leaders maintaining dominance, while a few rising stars gained traction with consumers. From long-standing favorites to fast-growing newcomers, here’s a detailed breakdown of the top-selling car brands across the country:
1. Toyota – 128,564 units
Toyota once again secured its place as South Africa’s top-selling car brand for the 45th consecutive year. Even with a 9.8% decrease in year-on-year sales, Toyota retained a commanding 24.9% share of the market. Popular models like the Hilux, Corolla Cross, Starlet, and Fortuner helped the brand maintain its strong position.
2. Volkswagen Group – 66,486 units
Volkswagen, including its Audi division, followed in second place. The brand recorded a small decline of 1.4% compared to the previous year but maintained a solid 12.9% market share. VW’s top sellers such as the Polo Vivo and Golf continued to resonate well with South African drivers.
3. Suzuki – 59,574 units
Suzuki stood out in 2024 with an impressive 20.5% growth in sales. This pushed its market share up to 11.6%, closing in on Volkswagen. The success of models like the Swift, Vitara Brezza, and S-Presso — known for affordability and reliability — helped drive this growth.
4. Ford – 32,766 units
Ford maintained its presence in the top five, largely due to the popularity of the locally produced Ranger bakkie. The brand’s performance-focused approach and strong utility vehicle lineup kept its customer base loyal.
5. Hyundai – 30,759 units
Hyundai earned the fifth spot thanks to consistent demand for its affordable hatchbacks and crossovers like the i20 and Tucson. The brand’s focus on value for money and stylish design made it a strong contender in both urban and family segments.
6. Isuzu – 23,290 units
Isuzu’s core strength lies in its rugged and reliable workhorses like the D-Max. Favoured in both the commercial and private sectors, Isuzu vehicles are a popular choice for those seeking dependable performance in tough conditions.
7. Nissan – 22,286 units
Nissan’s sales were bolstered by a versatile lineup, including the Navara and X-Trail. These vehicles offer a mix of comfort, technology, and durability, attracting both family and adventure-oriented buyers.
8. Chery – 20,376 units
Chinese automaker Chery made a significant impact in the South African market. Its success came from attractive models like the Tiggo 4 Pro, which combines sleek design, modern features, and affordable pricing — making it a compelling alternative in a competitive segment.
9. GWM – 18,927 units
Another strong Chinese performer, Great Wall Motors (GWM), continued to grow its presence locally. With a mix of passenger and bakkie offerings, GWM caters to budget-conscious consumers looking for reliable, feature-rich vehicles.
10. Renault – 15,822 units
Renault rounded out the top 10 with steady sales of models like the Kwid and Duster. Known for their practicality and fuel efficiency, Renault vehicles remain a favourite among first-time buyers and those looking for value without sacrificing comfort.
Key Market Trends to Watch
1. Surge of Chinese Brands
The continued rise of Chery and GWM reflects a broader global trend of increasing Chinese automotive influence. These brands are capturing market share by offering affordable, high-spec vehicles in key segments.
2. Suzuki’s Strong Growth
Suzuki’s surge has made it a brand to watch. If current trends continue, Suzuki may soon challenge Volkswagen for the second-place spot in South Africa’s sales rankings.
3. Toyota’s Continued Leadership
Despite a drop in volume, Toyota’s leadership remains unchallenged thanks to its widespread brand trust, locally manufactured vehicles, and consistent innovation across various categories.
4. Demand for Compact and Budget-Friendly Models
Affordability continues to play a major role in purchasing decisions. Brands that offer compact hatchbacks and crossovers at competitive prices are seeing strong sales. This trend is particularly apparent in urban markets where fuel efficiency and affordability are key.
What Drives Sales in South Africa?
South African consumers are drawn to:
- Affordability – Economic challenges continue to influence purchasing decisions, with buyers favouring vehicles that offer long-term value.
- Fuel Efficiency – Rising fuel costs have made efficient cars more desirable than ever.
- After-Sales Service – A strong dealership network and easy access to service centres remain crucial to brand loyalty.
- Versatility – Vehicles that serve both personal and business needs (especially bakkies) perform well in rural and urban settings alike.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, 2025 is expected to bring further shifts as electric vehicles (EVs) slowly gain interest and competition from Chinese brands intensifies. The performance of traditional powerhouses like Toyota, VW, and Ford will be tested as emerging players continue to innovate.
South Africa’s automotive market remains diverse and fiercely competitive. The ability of manufacturers to adapt to consumer needs — affordability, efficiency, and reliability — will determine their success in the years to come.
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