South Africa's Light Vehicle market is evolving rapidly, shaped by rising new-brands momentum, another strong year for new vehicle sales, and escalating finance commitments from buyers. New Lightstone data reveals that traditional leaders now hold less than half the market, while fast-growing entrants like Chery are reshaping competition and consumer choice. New vehicle sales for 2025 are on track to deliver the strongest performance in a decade. At the same time, buyers are taking on higher instalments, with used-car repayments up nearly 50% since 2019. Read all about it in this month's issue of Auto Insights.
Gear change in Light Vehicle sales
South Africa's vehicle market is shifting fast as Chinese brands gain ground and traditional players' reshuffle. Once-dominant brands now hold less than half the market, while newcomers like Chery climb rapidly reshaping competition, consumer choice, and the future of Light Vehicle sales.
Read MoreBumper year for new vehicle sales
South Africa's new vehicle market is delivering its strongest performance in a decade, with 2025 sales to October just 4% shy of last year's full-year total. Passenger sales are near 2014 levels, and October marked the eighth month of double-digit growth. With lower interest rates supporting demand, Lightstone now forecasts 2025 new vehicle sales to rise by more than 14%, reaching the highest annual total since 2015.
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South Africans prepared to spend more to finance vehicle purchases
Vehicle finance costs have climbed sharply in South Africa, with used-car repayments up nearly 50% and new-car instalments rising 30% since 2019. Lightstone's analysis reveals shifting loan values, longer financing terms, and a narrowing repayment gap between new and used vehicles.
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