Recent sales data highlighted by Bloomberg shows that Chery has climbed to become the second-largest car seller in the country, trailing only Toyota. Chery’s sales total includes its Omoda, Jaecoo and Jetour brands.
The data presented by Bloomberg, citing the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, shows that in December 2025 Toyota sold about 8,700 vehicles, maintaining a strong lead in the market, while Chery recorded roughly 4,900 units, slightly ahead of Suzuki, which sold around 4,800 vehicles.
This was followed by Volkswagen with about 4,300 units, Hyundai Motor Company with approximately 2,800 vehicles, Great Wall Motor with roughly 2,000 units, and Kia selling about 1,400 vehicles during the same period.
The rise of Chinese brands reflects a broader shift in Africa’s biggest automotive market, where newer entrants such as Great Wall Motor are steadily competing with established players including Volkswagen, Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia.
Chinese brands have particularly benefited from demand for affordable vehicles as economic growth in South Africa has remained sluggish, wages have stagnated and the cost of living has climbed.
For many consumers, lower-priced imports have become the most accessible option for vehicle ownership.
South Africa’s auto market rebounds as affordable imports surge
South Africa’s vehicle market has also experienced a strong recovery after the pandemic-era slump. According to National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, the country’s new vehicle market in 2025 surpassed pre-pandemic levels and reached its highest level in a decade.
Passenger car sales led the growth, rising 20.1% to 422,292 units, while light commercial vehicles such as bakkies and minibuses increased 7.8% to 143,637 units.
Industry analysts say the recovery was driven by a mix of interest rate cuts, relatively low vehicle inflation and an influx of affordable imports, alongside liquidity injected into the economy through South Africa’s two-pot retirement withdrawal system.
Naamsa noted that imports from China and India played a major role in the market’s expansion, challenging domestic manufacturers but meeting growing consumer demand for lower-priced vehicles.
The shift is also reshaping the manufacturing landscape. Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is reportedly exploring a potential co-manufacturing arrangement with Great Wall Motor at its plant in East London, highlighting how traditional Western manufacturers are reassessing their strategies as Asian brands strengthen their foothold in the country.
As Chinese and Indian automakers expand their presence, South Africa is increasingly emerging as a gateway for affordable vehicles into the wider African market while also testing the resilience of its long-standing automotive manufacturing base.
