These were South Africa's top-selling cars as market booms in April
Mabasa expects the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates further, though inflation is expected to trend higher in the second half of 2025 due to global developments. Further buoying consumer confidence, the government reversed its earlier proposal to hike the VAT rate from 15% to 15.5%, a move that would preserve disposable income at a critical moment for household consumption, he said.
'The market also appears to be correcting itself, balancing affordability with demand as consumers become more realistic about their purchase decisions,' said Lebo Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank.
WesBank data shows an average deal size shrinking 8.6% year-on-year, indicating the stresses of affordability on new vehicle purchases and the continued trend to buy down into smaller, more affordable vehicles.
'The competitive price point of new Chinese entrants will also influence this shift as consumers seek alternative value in the market.'
Toyota remained South Africa's favourite brand in April, with 10,363 units sold. Suzuki strengthened its No 2 position ahead of Volkswagen, with Hyundai remaining at No 4 ahead of Ford.
Notable movers were GWM/Haval and Chery, which each jumped three places in April compared with March — GWM/Haval to sixth place and Chery to seventh — further underlining the strengthening presence of affordable Chinese brands in a price-sensitive market. Omoda & Jaecoo and Jetour were other Chinese brands in the top 15.
15 BEST SELLING BRANDS IN APRIL:
Toyota — 10,363
Suzuki — 5,977
Volkswagen — 3,973
Hyundai — 3,007
Ford — 2,398
GWM — 1,943
Chery — 1,852
Isuzu — 1,383
Renault — 1,281
Mahindra — 1,278
Kia — 1,277
BMW group — 1,146
Omoda & Jaecoo — 865
Nissan — 794
Jetour — 573
30 BEST SELLING CARS IN APRIL:
Toyota Hilux — 2,780
Suzuki Swift — 2,053
Ford Ranger — 1,728
Toyota Corolla Cross — 1,584
Hyundai Grand i10 -1,425
VW Polo Vivo — 1,366
Suzuki Fronx — 1,186
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro — 1,133
Isuzu D-Max — 1,108
Haval Jolion — 973
Toyota Starlet — 905
Toyota Starlet Cross — 834
Kia Sonet — 812
Suzuki Ertiga — 778
VW Polo — 768
Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up — 654
Toyota Fortuner — 606
Omoda C5 — 588
Toyota Hi-Ace — 571
Toyota Urban Cruiser — 539
Mahindra XUV 3XO — 515
GWM P-Series — 497
Renault Kiger — 470
Nissan Magnite — 449
Toyota Rumion — 448
Toyota Vitz — 433
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro — 427
Suzuki Baleno — 420
Toyota Land Cruiser — 417
Hyundai Exter — 381
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