South Africa September 2026: Isuzu D-Max and Chery Tiggo 4 impress in strongest month in history

The Isuzu D-Max is the third best-selling vehicle in South Africa in September.

New vehicle sales in South Africa deliver their 23rd consecutive month of year-on-year gains and 8th straight double-digit uptick in September at +12.7% to 61,645 units. This is not only the best September volume ever but also the first time in history the SA market crosses the 60,000 unit-mark. The year-to-date tally is 12.5% to 492,201 which is believed to be an all time high record, eclipsing the previous best of 490,291 units over the first 9 months of 2013. Passenger vehicles are up 14.7% to 44,291 while light commercials advance 9.6% to 14,361. Unfortunately exports remain sluggish at -18.8% to 31,473 for the month and -10% to 281,458 year-to-date.

Like last month the Top 5 manufacturers all trail the market with single-digit gains: Toyota (+8.6%) remains by far in the lead at 24.9% share, followed by Suzuki (+9.8%), the VW Group (+3.6%), Ford (+3.1%) and Hyundai (+1.7%). Isuzu (+22%) surges ahead as does Chery (+32.7%) reaching a new volume record for the 5th straight month at 3,004 units. Jetour (+149.8%) continues to take off. 

The Toyota Hilux (+3.6%) is dominant once again, celebrating 20 consecutive #1 monthly finishes. The VW Polo Vivo (+3.4%) stays in 2nd place just as the Isuzu D-Max (+24.2%) is up three spots on August and overtakes the Ford Ranger (+10.2%) to rank #2 pickup. The Chery Tiggo 4 (+63.5%) is down one rank on last month to #5 but surges year-on-year. Notice also the Toyota Starlet Cross (+120.3%) up to #10.

Previous month: South Africa August 2026: Toyota Hilux cements dominance in 22nd straight positive month

One year ago: South Africa September 2025: 7th double-digit market gains (+24.3%)

Full September 2026 Top 48 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.