South Africa March 2026: Record market, BYD and Tata now share figures

The Dolphin Surf is BYD’s best-seller in South Africa in March.

18th straight month of year-on-year gains for the South African new vehicle market, with March volumes up a splendid 17.3% to 58,060. For the second consecutive month, this is a new record, eclipsing the previous March best of 56,110 hit in March 2012. The year-to-date tally is now up 12.4% to 161,978 units. In contrast exports drop -5.3% to 37,388 and are down -11.6% over Q1 to 86,281.

Toyota (+14.3%) scores a 22.9% share, similar to the 23.1% it holds year-to-date. The VW Group (+13.5%) is back above Suzuki (-4.5%) for the first time this year. Isuzu (+27.3%) surges three spots on February to #4, overtaking Hyundai (+5%), Ford (-2.7%) and GWM (+34.4%). Chery (+25.7%) is also in excellent shape at #8 while Jetour (+238%) manages a second ever Top 10 finish after last December and breaks its volume record at 1,768. BYD (#21) and Tata Passenger Cars (#22) now report sales. BYD’s best-sellers are the Dolphin Surf (239 sales) and Shark (94).

Model-wise, the Toyota Hilux (+40.9%) surges ahead to 7.1% share, its highest since December 2024, and cements its YTD dominance at 6.1% of the market, the only nameplate above 4%. The Isuzu D-Max (+33.7%) climbs up three ranks on February to #2, its best ranking since exactly a year ago in March 2025 when it was also #2. The VW Polo Vivo (+32.6%) is another great performer at #3 whereas the Ford Ranger (-4.8%) is in trouble at #4. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (+71.3%) remains the best-selling Chinese vehicle in the country.

Previous month: South Africa February 2026: Chinese shine in record market

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

Full March 2026 Top 46 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.