South Africa May 2026: Jetour breaks records, places T2 inside Top 10 for the first time

The Jetour T2 breaks into the South African Top 10 in May.

New vehicle sales in South Africa sign an incredible 19th consecutive month of year-on-year gains in May at +12.8% to 51,071 units. This is the biggest May volume in 13 years: since the 53,997 sales of May 2013. Toyota (+3.3%) retains the brands top spot with 20.9%, albeit lower than the 22.3% it commands year-to-date. Suzuki (+0.2%) is stable at #2 ahead of a very dynamic Volkswagen Group (+15.6%). Hyundai (-6.1%) is in difficulty while Ford (stable) rounds out the Top 5. GWM (+25.9%) and Chery (+28.8%) post fantastic gains but are not as impressive as Jetour (+225.8%) reaching record volumes (2,020) and share (4%). Omoda/Jaecoo (+48.2%) and Stellantis (+26.5%) also shine below.

Model-wise, the Toyota Hilux (-3.9%) delvers another win just before its generation changeover, and distances the VW Polo Vivo (+51.3%) now ahead of the Ford Ranger (-3.4%) year-to-date. The Chery Tiggo 4 (+64.1%) repeats at #4, a ranking it now also holds YTD. Solid performances also by the GWM Haval Jolion (+20.8%) and Hyundai Grand i10 (+19%). The event of the month is the Jetour T2 breaking into the Top 10 for the first time at #10. Notice also the GWM P-Series (+98%), Ford Territory (+80.7%) and VW Amarok (+47.9%) with the Jetour T1 cracking the Top 30 at #29.

Previous month: South Africa April 2026: Market up 13%, Jetour T2 just outside Top 10

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

Full May 2026 Top 47 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.