South Africa March 2025: Sales up 12.5%, Mahindra breaks records

The Mahindra Pik up ranks inside the South African Top 10 for the first time

49,493 new vehicles found a buyer in South Africa in March, a fantastic 12.5% year-on-year gain marking a 6th consecutive month in positive. Dealer sales account for 86.8% of sales at 42,953 units, with rental agencies at 7.3% share, corporate fleet sat 2.5% and government at 3.5%. The year-to-date tally is up 10.5% to 144,426. Passenger Vehicles are up 25.3% to 33,447 for the month whereas light commercials drop -8.4% to 13,328. Exports surge 31.1% to 39,477 and are up 10% YTD to 96,339.

In the manufacturers ranking, Toyota (+5%) remains ultra dominant at 23.6% share just as Suzuki (+21.9%) shoots up and confirms it is the new #2 above the VW Group (-5.9%). Hyundai (+27.4%) and Ford (+20.7%) also shine and round out the Top 5. Mahindra (+93.7%) surges to #8 and 4.6% share, marking a 7th double-digit lift in a row and scoring its largest ever monthly volume. Kia (+39.2%), GWM (+32.1%) and Chery (+24.2%) impress below. Among recent launches, Omoda & Jaecoo stays at #14, Jetour at #17 and Foton is up to #22.

The Toyota Hilux (-5.8%) is once again the best-seller in SA with a healthy 5.9% share. The Isuzu D-Max (+7.4%) surprises in 2nd place, outrunning the Ford Ranger (+11.5%) and making the podium 100% pickup trucks. The VW Polo Vivo (-11.9%) suffers at #4 while the Suzuki Swift (+12.2%) matches the market at #5. Excellent performances by the Nissan Magnite (+197.5%) and Mahindra Pik Up (+63.3%), the latter breaking into the Top 10 for the first time at #9.

Previous month: South Africa February 2025: Suzuki beats VW Group again in solid market (+7.3%)

One year ago: South Africa March 2024: Nissan NP200 bows out in style (#2)

Full March 2025 Top 41 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.