South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered its strongest June performance in nearly two decades, with domestic sales reaching 54,482 units, according to industry body Naamsa.This marks the highest June total since 2007 and represents a 15.3% increase compared with June 2025, showing notable resilience despite ongoing economic pressures.

The performance came during a period of weakened consumer confidence in the second quarter of 2026, with rising fuel costs, inflationary risks and tighter financial conditions affecting households.Naamsa attributed the strong results to essential mobility needs, replacement demand cycles, fleet renewals and increased government procurement.Government fleet purchases in particular played a significant role, supporting both passenger and light commercial vehicle segments.Passenger cars remained the largest contributor, recording 38,393 units sold, an 18.1% year-on-year increase.Car rental companies accounted for 9.7% of passenger vehicle sales, further boosting demand.Light commercial vehicles, including bakkies and minibuses, reached 13,171 units, reflecting an 8.4% rise compared to the same period last year.Medium commercial vehicles edged up slightly by 0.6% to 647 units, while heavy trucks and buses rose by 15.9% to 2,271 units, indicating improving activity in logistics and freight-related sectors.Despite strong domestic performance, vehicle exports declined by 6.9% to 33,879 units, highlighting pressure on international markets.However, year-to-date figures remain positive, with passenger car sales up 14.2% and light commercial vehicles up 10.1%.

Naamsa noted early signs of easing cost pressures, including lower global oil prices and improving business sentiment, which could support future demand.

The organisation expressed cautious optimism that stabilising inflation and improved affordability may further strengthen the market outlook in coming months.