South Africa January 2026: Market at highest in 9 years, Jetour breaks records

Jetour holds 3.1% of the South African market in January.

The South African new vehicle market marks a 16th consecutive month of year-on-year gains in January at +7.5% to 50,073 units. This is the highest January volume in 9 years, since the 50,333 sales of January 2017. Toyota (-3%) disappoints but remains ultra dominant at 23.5% share while Suzuki (+0.2%) reclaims the second spot it held over the Full year 2025 off the Volkswagen Group (-15.9%) in deep trouble. Hyundai (+10.4%), Ford (+19.6%), GWM (+43.6%) and Chery (+18%) camp on their December and Full Year 2025 rankings from #4 to #7 respectively. Kia (+32.2%) and Mahindra (+14.2%) also beat the market in the remainder of the Top 10. Jetour (+243.7%) celebrates one year in market with new volume (1,550) and share (3.1%) records.

Over in the models charts, the Toyota Hilux (-3.2%) is the best-seller once again with a comfortable 5.1% share, albeit one percentage point below its December and Full Year 2025 level of 6.1%. The Ford Ranger (+11.5%) advances to #2 ahead of the VW Polo Vivo (-19.2%) and Suzuki Swift (-22.8%) both in freefall. Reversely the Chery Tiggo 4 (+44.8%) and Toyota Vitz (+83.5%) surge ahead to #5 and #6 respectively. The Hyundai Grand i10 (+13.4%) is also solid at #7. Further down, notice the Toyota Rumion (+227.8%), Omoda C5 (+75.4%) and Suzuki Fronx (+50%) all in outstanding shape. The Jetour T2 is up 9 ranks on last month to a record #22.

Previous post: South Africa Full Year 2025: Toyota Hilux scores 13th straight win in highest market in 10 years

One year ago: South Africa January 2025: Suzuki Swift topples Toyota Hilux

Full January 2026 Top 44 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.