South Africa’s new-vehicle market in August yet again recorded stellar growth, with sales up 11.4% compared with the same month last year, to reach 57 898 units.

naamsa | The Automotive Business Council notes that the uptake of new-energy vehicles – NEVs, comprising hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) – continues to expand amid rising fuel costs, with sales for the first seven months of the year already equal to 97.5% of total 2025 NEV sales.

From January to the end of July, a total 16 289 NEVs were sold in South Africa, with the mix comprising 8 078 hybrids, 5 851 plug-in hybrids and 2 360 BEVs.

naamsa says the country’s new-passenger car market reached 41 216 units in August – up 11.6% on the same month last year.

Car rental sales accounted for 17.2% of new passenger vehicle sales during the month.

Sales of new light commercial vehicles – bakkies, panel vans and minibuses – jumped by 11%, to 13 727 units.

Medium truck sales increased by 16.3%, while extra-heavy commercial vehicle sales jumped by a notable 24.2%.

Heavy truck sales, however, declined by 8.8%, potentially on the back of stock shortages.

The export market, as in so many months this year, again delivered bad news, with new-vehicle exports from South Africa’s six vehicle manufacturers down 11.9%, to 35 091 units.

Asset finance group WesBank says August’s new-vehicle market delivered its results against a mixed affordability backdrop, with relatively stable financing conditions supporting demand, but with rising fuel costs continuing to reshape the overall affordability equation for vehicle ownership.

The price of both grades of petrol has increased by R1.34 a litre this month, while wholesale diesel increased by between R2.93 and R3.15 a litre.

“For both consumers and businesses, the affordability calculation is becoming increasingly important,” says FNB and WesBank senior economist Thanda Sithole.

“The purchase price or monthly repayment is only one part of the equation. Fuel consumption, maintenance, insurance and expected vehicle usage all contribute to what a vehicle ultimately costs over the life of the agreement.

“In an environment where running costs can change quickly, understanding that full picture becomes increasingly valuable,” said Sithole.

“The growth in electrified vehicles shows that the market is increasingly considering different ways of managing the cost of mobility,” he adds.

National Automobile Dealers’ Association regional executive Martin van den Berg remarks that the growth in the extra-heavy truck segment is particularly interesting, given rising fuel costs and reduced activity in commodities such as iron-ore.

“It may point to increased activity in other areas of the economy, including construction, with dealers reporting stronger enquiries for vehicles such as tippers.”