JOHANNESBURG, May 15 Chinese automakers expanded their share of the South African passenger car market to 16.8% in 2025 from 11.2% a year earlier, industry data showed on Friday, as competitively priced, technology-rich sport utility vehicles and long warranties reshaped…
mpetition. The domestic new vehicle market has entered a period of recalibration marked by affordability pressures, shifting consumer expectations and intensifying global competition, auto industry body naamsa said in its annual report on Friday
The most dramatic shift in 2025 has been the “meteoric rise” of imported Chinese brands in South Africa’s light vehicle market, offering modern technology, competitive pricing and long warranties that have helped them move into the mainstream, it added. “This is not regarded as a short-term surge, but a structural reset, as for decades the market was shaped by badge and prestige, but it is now being redefined by price-driven consumer choices and tighter household budgets, with little brand affinity,” naamsa said. There were 15 Chinese brands operating in South Africa’s new vehicle market in 2025 – including leading manufacturers like BYD, Chery, and GWM – up from eight in 2024, with more expected to enter in 2026. Despite pressure from new entrants, brand loyalty remained resilient in parts of the market.
Toyota retained its position as overall market leader, with a market share of 24.8%, followed by Suzuki Auto and Volkswagen. EXPORTS TO THE U.S. FALL Automotive exports remained a pillar of the industry, but exports to the United States fell by 26% to 20.4 billion rand ($1.23 billion) in 2025, contributing to a broader 26.1% drop in shipments to the U.S., Mexico and Canada (USMCA) region, the report showed.