Latest news with #Naamsa
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Top 5 vehicle exporters for May 2025
While the new car market saw some positive growth, South African vehicle exports for May 2025 saw a considerable dip. Here is a look at the Top 5 for the month. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! The SARB cut the interest rate by 25 basis points, and while Naamsa mentions this is expected to enhance credit affordability and reduce capital costs across the board, it holds particular significance for vehicle exporters. Lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs for manufacturers investing in tooling upgrades, retooling for new model production, and scaling export operations. With inflation easing to 2.8% and the Rand gaining strength, the environment is more conducive to attracting capital into export-oriented manufacturing. Related: Top 5 Vehicle Exporters — March 2025 However, declining figures in May 2025 don't reflect the full picture. Vehicle exports fell by 5 165 units, or 14.6%, to 30 112 units compared to the 35 277 units exported in May 2024. Despite the monthly decline, year-to-date exports remained 1.4% ahead of the same period last year. According to Naamsa, this drop was partly due to major OEM Volkswagen halting production from mid-April to mid-May to complete critical upgrades for a forthcoming model, the Tera SUV. In line with the National Budget 3.0's emphasis on fiscal consolidation, the SARB's policy action illustrates that price stability and export-led growth can co-exist. Discussions around potentially lowering the official inflation target from 4.5% to 3.0% offer longer-term hope for structurally lower interest rates, transformative for manufacturers seeking to remain competitive on global stages. Top 5 exporters for May 2025 Ford – 6 963 (+ 471 units) Mercedes-Benz SA – 6 600 (- 0 units) BMW – 5 700 (+ 500 units) Toyota – 5 566 (- 1 833 units) Volkswagen – 4 305 (- 1 026 units) The month of May 2025 saw a shuffle for the Top 5 and while none have fallen off of the list from the previous month, it was Ford that led South Africa's vehicle export market with 6 963 units, marking a notable increase of 471 units compared to April. German automaker Mercedes-Benz kept output at a steady 6 600 for the month and BMW's Rosslyn plant outputted 5 700 exports which represents a 500 unit rise from April. In contrast, Toyota experienced a decline, with exports falling by 1833 units to 5 566. As mentioned prior, retooling in Kariega saw Volkswagen drop 1 026 units, ending the month at 4 305 exports. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Top 5 Vehicle Exporters – May 2025 appeared first on CAR Magazine.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
May vehicle sales wrap: 50 top selling vehicles and expert insights after buoyant month
The Ford Ranger edged closer to Toyota's Hilux in May, after its sales grew by 24%. Image: Supplied South African new vehicle sales rode a wave of optimism in May, with the market growing by a significant 22% year-on-year, according to Naamsa. Although sales were relatively slow during the first half of May, there was a significant uptick during the second half of the month, the National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA) reported. This came in the wake of the 2025 Budget being finalised, as well as President Cyril Ramaphosa's meeting with US President Donald Trump and the interest rate cut. Passenger car sales, at 31,741 units, surged by 30% versus the same month in 2024, while light commercial and bakkie sales increased by a more modest 5.8%. On the sales charts, bakkies took the top two spots. The Toyota Hilux led overall with 2,548 sales, a decline of 8.3% versus the previous month, while the Ford Ranger took second spot overall with 2,147 sales, an impressive gain of 24.2%. Third overall, and leading the passenger car sector was the Suzuki Swift at 1,842 units, albeit down by 11.4% over April, while the Toyota Corolla Cross retained fourth position with its volume of 1,629, an increase of 2.8%. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Suzuki Swift was once again Mzansi's most popular passenger vehicle. Image: Supplied The usual front-runner, Volkswagen's Polo Vivo, took fifth spot, with 1,543 units finding homes, as VWSA ramped up production once again following its temporary shutdown in preparation for the new SUV model. South Africa's 50 best-selling vehicles: May 2025 Toyota Hilux - 2,548 Ford Ranger - 2,147 Suzuki Swift - 1,842 Toyota Corolla Cross - 1,629 Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 1,543 Isuzu D-Max - 1,473 Hyundai Grand i10 - 1,350 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro - 1,255 Suzuki Fronx - 1,219 Haval Jolion - 1,113 Toyota Starlet - 1,039 Kia Sonet - 863 Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up - 786 Volkswagen Polo - 767 Suzuki Ertiga - 721 Toyota Starlet Cross - 694 Omoda C5 - 687 Volkswagen T-Cross - 686 Toyota Fortuner - 679 Toyota Vitz - 624 Toyota Rumion - 618 Toyota Hi-Ace - 583 Mahindra XUV 3XO - 532 Toyota Urban Cruiser - 517 Renault Kiger - 492 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro - 439 Nissan Magnite - 437 Hyundai i20 - 399 Renault Kwid - 393 Nissan Navara - 389 Jetour Dashing - 377 Suzuki Baleno - 371 Hyundai Exter - 368 GWM P-Series - 348 Toyota Land Cruiser PU - 348 Renault Triber - 307 Ford Everest - 303 Suzuki Jimny - 300 Volkswagen Amarok - 282 Haval H6 - 281 Ford Territory - 274 Volkswagen Tiguan - 263 Jetour X70 Plus - 243 Suzuki Eeco - 239 Beijing X55 Plus - 234 Citroen C3 Aircross - 217 Foton Tunland G7 - 216 Hyundai Venue - 216 Kia Seltos - 209 Citroen C3 - 192 Top manufacturers Toyota - 10,330 Suzuki Auto - 5,536 Volkswagen - 4,582 Hyundai - 3,251 Ford - 2,932 GWM / Haval - 2,069 Chery - 1,995 Isuzu - 1,961 Mahindra - 1,524 Kia - 1,406 What the experts said 'It was most satisfying to see consumer confidence, boosted by a further interest rate cut and positive developments on the geopolitical front, translate into a 22% improvement in retail new vehicle sales in May,' said NADA chairperson Brandon Cohen. Naamsa said the Reserve Bank's decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points signalled a welcome policy pivot in support of industrial growth, affordability, and macro-economic stability. "The automotive sector finds itself once again at the coalface of global economic shifts," said Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa. "The SARB's latest decision to lower interest rates is both timely and commendable. It directly supports consumer affordability and boosts production competitiveness at a time when global uncertainty is weighing heavily on our export markets. While the new tariff measures remain a concern, our industry has proven its resilience time and time again."
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
New vehicle sales extended winning streak for a fifth time in May
An even-split between locally made and imported products within the top 10 models saw offset for the month inch closer to 50 000 unit sales for the first time since March. The Toyota Hilux kept its record intact as the country's best-selling new vehicle and bakkie in May. Image: Toyota South Africa's new vehicle sales showed no let-up with a fifth increase in as many months in May, and the eighth overall since October last year. Hilux and Ranger dominate 2 000+ club In a repeat of April, the Toyota Hilux ended May as the country's best-seller with an offset of 2 458 units, but this time chased by its arch rival, the Ford Ranger, whose 2 147 saw it swap places with the Suzuki Swift that finished third on 1 842. Completing the top-five, the Toyota Corolla Cross retained its fourth place from April with sales of 1 629, this time followed by the Volkswagen Polo Vivo on 1 543. ALSO READ: Toyota Hilux and Suzuki Swift lead new vehicle sales in April Having exchanged places with the Vivo, the Hyundai Grand i10 ranked sixth with 1 537, followed by the Isuzu D-Max on 1 473 and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro on 1 255. Rounding off an even split been locally made and imported vehicles, the Suzuki Fronx raked-in sales of 1 219 to finish ninth, and the GWM Haval Jolion 1 113 to complete the top 10. Month in detail Having lost some ground from the 50 000 mark in April after moving 42 401 units versus March's 49 493, the May figures from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) registered a year-on-year increase of 22% from 37 139 in 2024, to 45 308 in 2025. Out of the respective segments, only exports ended in the red with a downturn of 14.6% from 35 277 to 30 112. By contrast, new passenger vehicle sales emerged as the biggest highlight with an increase of 30% from last year's 24 419 to 31 741. After picking-up momentum in April following three months of consecutive decreases, light commercial vehicles posted a second uptick in May with an increase of 5.8% from 10 337 to 10 938. Equally, medium-duty commercial vehicle sales rose 22.7% to 660 from 538, while heavy-duty truck and bus sales improved by 6.7% from 1 845 to 1 969. In total, dealer sales made-up 88.4% or 45 038 vehicles sold, with the rest being split up as follows: Rental agencies: 6.8%; Corporate Fleets: 3.0%; Government: 1.8% Naamsa upbeat 'The South African Reserve Bank decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points signalled a welcome policy pivot in support of industrial growth, affordability, and macro-economic stability,' Naamsa said. 'The move, which followed a cautious policy hold in March, is widely welcomed by the industry – particularly by Naamsa, as we had previously advocated for an easing in monetary policy to help cushion the sector from escalating global and domestic risks'. In the same statement, Naamsa CEO, Mikel Mabasa, said, 'the reserve bank's latest decision to lower interest rates is both timely and commendable. 'It directly supports consumer affordability and boosts production competitiveness at a time when global uncertainty is weighing heavily on our export markets. While the new tariff measures remain a concern, our industry has proven its resilience time and time again'. Commenting on the finally passed budget speech by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana last month, Naamsa added, 'the reserve bank's policy action demonstrated that price stability and growth need not be mutually exclusive. 'The combination of responsible fiscal management and cautious monetary easing creates room for counter-cyclical support to the real economy, particularly in high-multiplier industries such as automotive manufacturing'. The association further stated,' with inflation easing to 2.8%, still well below the 3%-6% target range, and the Rand regaining strength, the macro-economic environment became more conducive to supporting consumer spending and business investment. 'For South Africa's automotive manufacturing base, the implications of the cut extend beyond retail credit conditions. 'Lower interest rates will reduce borrowing costs for manufacturing, supporting planned capital expenditure, tooling upgrades, and retooling for new models'. Top 10 marques Out of the top 10 best-selling brands, the first eight places remained unchanged from April, with Toyota placing first on 10 330, Suzuki second on 5 536 and Volkswagen third on 4 582. Hyundai stayed steady in fourth with 3 351, with Ford finishing fifth on 2 932 and GWM sixth on 2 059. Chery, meanwhile, kept its seventh place on 1 995 ahead of eighth place Isuzu (1 961), with Mahindra jumping a notch to ninth on 1 524 at the expense of Renault, who departs from the top 10. Returning for the first time since February, Kia ended May in 10th place on 1 406. May Top 50 Best-Sellers Toyota Hilux – 2 548 Ford Ranger – 2 147 Suzuki Swift – 1 842 Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 629 Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 1 543 Hyundai Grand i10 – 1 537 Isuzu D-Max – 1 473 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1 255 Suzuki Fronx – 1 219 GWM Haval Jolion – 1 113 Toyota Starlet – 1 039 Kia Sonet – 870 Mahindra Pik Up – 786 Volkswagen Polo – 767 Suzuki Ertiga – 721 Toyota Starlet Cross – 694 Volkswagen T-Cross – 686 Toyota Fortuner – 679 Toyota Vitz – 624 Toyota Rumion – 618 Toyota HiAce – 617 Nissan Magnite – 570 Mahindra XUV 3X0 – 534 Omoda C5 – 525 Toyota Urban Cruiser – 517 Renault Kiger – 492 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro – 439 Hyundai i20 – 399 Renault Kwid – 393 Nissan Navara – 389 Jetour Dashing – 377 Suzuki Baleno – 371 Hyundai Exter – 368 Toyota Land Cruiser 70-series – 365 GWM P-Series – 348 Renault Triber – 308 Ford Everest – 303 Suzuki Jimny – 300 Volkswagen Amarok – 282 Haval H6 – 281 Ford Territory – 274 Volkswagen Tiguan – 263 Jetour X70 Plus – 243 Suzuki Eeco – 239 Beijing X55 Plus – 234 Hyundai Venue – 220 Citroën C3 Aircross – 217 Foton Tunland G7 – 216 Kia Seltos – 209 Citroën C3 – 192 NOW READ: D-Max surprises as bakkies take top three March new vehicle sales
IOL News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
New vehicle sales surged in May: these were the top 10 brands
Suzuki took a dominant second position once again in the brand rankings. Image: Supplied The South African new vehicle market saw buoyant year-on-year growth in May, and the recent interest rate reduction is likely to fuel further momentum in June. According to industry body Naamsa, 45,308 new vehicles were sold in May, representing a gain of 22% over the same month in 2024. Passenger car sales, at 31,741 units, led the charge with a year-on-year gain of 30%, while light commercial vehicles, at 10,938 units, saw 5.8% growth. Medium and heavy commercial vehicles recorded respective gains of 22.7% and 6.7% over May 2024. 88.4% of vehicle sales took place through the dealer channels, Naamsa said, while the rental industry accounted for 6.8% of the pie, or 8.5% in the case of passenger vehicles. Corporate fleet and government sales represented a respective 3.0% and 1.8% of the total. 'The SARB's May decision will add further momentum to these gains, as consumers respond positively to improved credit conditions,' Naamsa said. 'With inflation easing to 2.8%, still well below the SARB's 3% to 6% target range, and the rand regaining strength amid improving investor sentiment, the macro-economic environment became more conducive to supporting consumer spending and business investment.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa said the SA Reserve Bank's latest decision to lower interest rates was both timely and commendable, as it would support consumer affordability and boost production competitiveness at a time when global uncertainty was weighing heavily on our export markets. Toyota led the way in brand sales at 9,969 units (or 10,330 including Hino and Lexus), while Suzuki stood in second place once again at 5,536, followed by Volkswagen (4,150), Hyundai (3,251) and Ford (2,932). Top-selling vehicle brands: May 2025 Toyota - 9,969 Suzuki Auto - 5,536 Volkswagen - 4,150 Hyundai - 3,251 Ford - 2,932 Chery - 1,995 Isuzu - 1,961 Mahindra - 1,524 Haval - 1,506 Kia - 1,406 Stay tuned to IOL Motoring for a list of the 50 top-selling vehicles on Tuesday morning. Vehicle exports down Vehicle exports decreased by 14.6% to 30,112 units, but this seems largely due to Volkswagen SA halting production of its Polo in order to complete plant upgrades for its forthcoming compact SUV product. Year-to-date vehicle exports were still 1.4% ahead of the same period last year, Naamsa said. IOL
IOL News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Chinese hybrids heading to SA: Can these 10 new contenders steal some of Toyota's thunder?
The new Chery Tiggo 9 is one of numerous new Chinese hybrid vehicles destined for South Africa. Image: Supplied Very few South Africans are ready to take the plunge with a fully electric vehicle, but the latest statistics show that sales of hybrid vehicles are booming. According to Naamsa, sales of fully electric vehicles sank to just 276 units in the first quarter of 2025, down 16% from the same period in 2024, while sales of traditional hybrid vehicles rose by 14.8%, from 2587 units to 2970. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales grew by 71%, albeit off a very small base from 141 to 241 sales. But will 2025 be the year that PHEVs rise to prominence? Featuring larger batteries than conventional hybrids, these vehicles claim to offer the best of both worlds, typically offering fully electric coverage of between 50km and 100km, depending on the vehicle. And there are plenty of new entrants on the way to South Africa, as we'll get to shortly. But PHEVs tend to be on the pricey side, with BYD's recently introduced Sealion 6 currently being the least expensive option at R639,900. Toyota's Corolla Cross, a conventional hybrid, dominates the new energy vehicle market by a wide margin, and that is largely due to its combination of affordability and practicality, with prices starting at R494,400. Toyota also sells a Rav4 hybrid, and numerous Lexus models. The Corolla Cross is Mzansi's most affordable hybrid vehicle at present, but that could change in the not-too-distant future, with a number of compact Chinese offerings heading our way. MG3 and ZS Hybrids With its sporty looks and compact dimensions, the MG3 hatchback will be a refreshing addition to the local market, and our sources indicate that it will be offered with hybrid power. New MG3 Image: Supplied The newcomer promises feisty performance, with its combination of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor offering a total output of 155kW, while combined fuel consumption is a mere 4.3 litres per 100km . Also pencilled in for South Africa is a hybrid version of the popular HS midsize SUV. Combining a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, customers can look forward to outputs of 165kW and 340Nm, as well as combined consumption of 5.5 l/100km. While these two MG hybrids are believed to be 'on the books' for South Africa, exact launch timing as well as pricing and local specifications have yet to be confirmed. Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Joining the petrol-powered Chery Tiggo Cross that was launched in South Africa in late 2024, the hybrid version is set to reach our shores in July. Chery Tiggo Cross Image: Supplied Specifics have yet to be confirmed, but it is believed the new HEV model is powered by a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that pairs with two electric motors. Claimed fuel consumption amounts to 5.4 l/100km. Although it will command a premium over its ICE sibling, which is priced from R399,900 to R449,900, the Tiggo Cross HEV could still emerge as one of South Africa's most affordable hybrid vehicles. RISE OF THE PLUG-IN HYBRID Jaecoo J7 SHS You won't have to wait long to get your hands on the new Jaecoo J7 SHS plug-in hybrid SUV, which is set to officially launch later this week. Jaecoo J7 SHS. Image: Supplied According to the new PHEV model will be priced at R689,900, making it marginally more expensive than its BYD rival. But the stats are certainly impressive, with a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine pairing up with a powerful hybrid system to deliver combined outputs of 255kW and 525Nm. Thanks to its 18.3 kWh LFP battery, with DC charging capabilities, the J7 SHS can manage a claimed range of up to 90km between charges. Haval H6 GT PHEV Certainly one of the most electrifying hybrids to reach local shores this year, Haval's H6 GT PHEV is set to launch imminently. Haval H6 GT PHEV. Image: Supplied A true performance SUV, the new plug-in model boasts combined outputs of 321kW and 762Nm, allowing for a 4.9 second 0-100km/h sprint, while the carmaker claims a pure electric range of up to 180km. Omoda C9 PHEV The luxurious Omoda C9 will be joined by a supremely powerful plug-in hybrid variant in 2025, pairing the familiar 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with four electric motors for combined outputs of 440kW and 915Nm. Omoda C9 PHEV. Image: Supplied Scheduled for launch in July, the new C9's is also said to be capable of covering up to 150km on electric power alone, thanks to a 34.5 kWh battery with DC fast charging capability. Locally the C9 PHEV will be available exclusively with the Explore specification level, which means 20-inch wheels, Nappa leather interior, with seat heating for front and rear occupants, and a panoramic sunroof. Chery Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 PHEVs Chery will welcome a stylish new flagship SUV to its fold around September. Meet the new Tiggo 9. Featuring a 1.5T petrol engine and three electric motors, the combined output is an impressive 230kW, while an all-electric range of up to 100km is said to be possible. The Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV Image: Supplied For the cabin, designers aimed to create a 'warm and tech savvy' space. Highlights include a 15.6-inch HD screen and integrated multifunctional console. Specially crafted 3D stitched seats, meanwhile, add an upmarket touch. While the Tiggo 9 represents the zenith of the local Chery line-up, the Chinese brand will also be introducing a pair of more affordable plug-in hybrids, with the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEVs due in July and August, respectively. More details on these models will be released in due course. GAC M8 PHEV GAC Motor, known for its sporty Emzoom and Emkoo crossover models, will be introducing something even more audacious in 2025. GAC M8 Image: Supplied
