South Africa May 2025: GWM (+71.7%), Mahindra (+62%) excel in market up 22%

Mahindra sales are up 62% year-on-year in May.

45,308 new vehicles found a buyer in South Africa in May, a fantastic +22% year-on-year surge. The year-to-date volume is now up 12.6% 231,719. In contrast exports are off -14.6% to 30,112 for the month and up just +1.4% to 159,199 year-to-date. Brand leader Toyota (+17.5%) trails the market to 22.8% share vs. 24.3% so far this year but Suzuki (+35%) excels at 12.2% share. Suzuki reinforces its newfound 2nd place above the Volkswagen Group (-7.2%). Hyundai (+48.8%) posts another great month at #4, distancing Ford (+2.5%). GWM (+71.7%) is euphoric as is Mahindra (+62%). Kia (+40.2%) also beats the market at #10. Newcomer Omoda+Jaecoo repeats at a record #13.

The Toyota Hilux (+7.6%) dominates the models ranking as usual with 5.6% share. Below, the Ford Ranger (-3.1%) and Suzuki Swift (+48.7%) exchange rankings compared to last month but the Swift remains #2 year-to-date. As a reminder it ranked #6 over the full year 2024. The Toyota Corolla Cross stays at #4 above the VW Polo Vivo (-15.1%). The Suzuki Fronx (+157.2%), GWM Haval Jolion (+94.6%) and Hyundai Grand i10 (+37.6%) makes themselves noticed in the remainder of the Top 10.

Previous month: South Africa April 2025: Mahindra (+43.1%), Hyundai (+40.9%), GWM (+30.1%) help lift market up 11.9%

One year ago: South Africa May 2024: Chery (+32.9%) shines in 9th market decline in past 10 months

Full May 2025 Top 41 All brands and Top 50 models below.