Young drivers, smart shifts & rising stars

In this edition of Lightstone Auto Insights, we explore the trends shaping South Africa’s automotive landscape from brand preferences to hybrids gaining traction in the used market and we celebrate people and milestones. Volkswagen continues to be the top choice among drivers under 35, with the number of young women opting to finance vehicle purchases rising from 35% in 2015 to 40% in 2025. Indian-made cars now lead local import sales, while Engen tops the list as ‘the go-to’ station for food and essentials. We also highlight standout F&I professionals honoured at the 2025 Star Reacher Awards, celebrate 20 years of EchoMBR innovation and mark a milestone year for Repair History, with over 19,000 verified records delivered.

Young drivers favour VW for new and used vehicles

Young South African drivers under 35 continue to favour Volkswagen for both new and used vehicles, according to Lightstone’s 2015–2025 analysis. Financing trends reveal a notable shift, with women now accounting for 40% of vehicle finance deals—up from 35% in 2015. While VW holds the top spot, Suzuki has surged into the Top 10, joining long-time favourites like Toyota, Ford, and Nissan. Premium brands like Audi and BMW remain popular, though slightly less so than a decade ago.

Vehicles manufactured in India lead growth in sales of imports in SA

India has become South Africa’s leading source of imported Light Vehicles, jumping from 5% of sales in 2009 to 36% in 2024—surpassing Japan, China, and Germany. With lower manufacturing costs, Indian-built vehicles remain budget-friendly, while the weighted average price of locally built cars has increased. Shifts in local production strategies and discontinued budget models have contributed to this trend. As a result, South African buyers are increasingly turning to affordable Indian-made options.

Engen tops the tank: Joburg drivers reveal their go-to fuel stop

Engen topped the list as Johannesburg’s most visited fuel station brand in March 2025, according to Lightstone’s analysis of Tracker data from over 600 local and 5,000 national stations. Engen’s Oxford, M1, and Sandton sites led in footfall, with convenience stops peaking after hours. Consumer habits are shifting, service stations are increasingly the go-to for food and essentials, especially at night. Brand loyalty now hinges on more than fuel, as evolving routines and competitive pressures reshape South Africa’s fuel retail landscape.

A legacy of listening, a future of intelligence

Launched by Lightstone in 2005, EchoMBR revolutionised the motor body repair industry with one bold idea: consistent, independent customer feedback drives real improvement. Two decades on, it remains the sector’s trusted benchmark for customer experience. Now, powered by AI and sentiment analysis, EchoMBR is evolving to deliver even deeper insights—while celebrating excellence at the upcoming 2025 EchoMBR Awards to be held in October. The future of smart service starts here.

Used buyers stick with their favourites

Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford dominate South Africa’s financed used vehicle market in 2025, together accounting for half of all transactions, according to Lightstone data. The Ford Ranger Double-Cab and VW Polo Vivo top the list of most financed models. While petrol and diesel remain steady favourites, hybrids and EVs are slowly gaining traction—now making up 1% of financed Used Light Vehicles, doubling their share from 2024.

One year, more than 19k records later

A year after launching on Lightstone LIVE and the Auto App, Repair History has delivered over 19,000 verified records empowering dealers, financiers and insurers with deeper insights into vehicle damage, repairs, and mileage. Fully integrated and easy to access, it helps users avoid costly surprises and make smarter buying decisions. If you haven’t used it yet, now’s the time to unlock the real value behind every vehicle!

Better April for new vehicle sales

New vehicle sales rose 11.8% year-on-year in April 2025, boosted by improved interest rates and growing demand. Despite the usual dip from March due to public holidays, overall sales for the year are tracking 10.5% ahead of 2024. SUVs continue to dominate, while hybrid and electric sales saw a slight decline. According to naamsa, forecasts point to 7% growth for 2025 with the auto market showing signs of a stronger recovery after a subdued 2024.

Lightstone Star Reacher F&I Awards 2024/ 2025 recognise top performing F&Is

South Africa’s top Finance & Insurance (F&I) professionals were honoured at the annual 2024/2025 Lightstone Star Reacher F&I Awards. Now in its fourth year, the data-driven programme recognises standout F&I managers across dealership volumes for excellence in customer service, compliance, and digital adoption. Winners were rewarded with luxury trips to Mauritius, while repeat champions highlighted the consistent professionalism shaping a thriving, future-ready auto retail industry.

Auto Newsletter May 2025