Suzuki Swift The Suzuki Swift was South Africa's best-selling vehicle in 2025. Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
January was a positive month for the South African new vehicle market, and particularly for Suzuki.
Not only did the brand surge past Volkswagen to achieve second place in the manufacturer ranking with a record monthly sales figure of 6,399, but its Swift hatchback emerged as the country’s best-selling vehicle overall.
With unit sales of 2,628, the newly launched hatchback toppled the usual front-runners, with the Toyota Hilux (2,557) and Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2,549) taking second and third overall.
This came as the month saw passenger car sales surge by 18.3% year-on-year on the back of strong demand from the rental vehicle industry, which accounted for nearly one in five sales in the segment, according to Naamsa.
Interestingly, 1,219 Suzuki Swifts were sold into the rental sector, almost half the total sales number for the month.
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Toyota Starlet The Toyota Starlet rocked the rental sales charts in January. Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
The Toyota Starlet also enjoyed a stronger-than usual sales month thanks to the rental industry, which accounted for 1,250 of its 2,180 total.
The light commercial vehicle industry, by contrast, fell by 9.1% versus the same month last year, albeit this deficit is partly due to the discontinuation of the Nissan NP200.
Overall vehicle sales, as reported by Naamsa, increased by 10.4% year-on-year to 46,398 units.
Naamsa said the recent 25 basis point interest rate cut along with well-controlled inflation has led to a sense of optimism in the market, while further anticipated rate cuts could boost affordability and overall sentiment further.
However, several potential challenges lie ahead, according to Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).
"Affordability continues to be a concern as the cost of living rises, compounded by a fourth successive fuel price hike, electricity increases, and the looming possibility of further load shedding. Additionally, there is the threat of tariffs and a freeze on funding from the United States," Cohen said.
South African vehicle exports saw a welcome increase of 29.7% year-on-year, with 19,545 locally built vehicles being shipped abroad in January.
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