en.Wedoany.com Reported - In April 2026, South Africa's new car market recorded its strongest April performance in over a decade. According to the latest data released by the Automotive Business Council, total domestic new vehicle sales reached 47,979 units in April, an increase of 5,512 units or 13% compared to April 2025. This marks the best April performance since 2013.

The Automotive Business Council stated: "South Africa's new vehicle market extended its positive domestic performance into April 2026, with domestic demand continuing to underpin overall industry activity despite an increasingly uncertain global backdrop." Passenger car sales led the growth, rising 14.3% year-on-year to 34,414 units, while light commercial vehicles increased 9.7% to 10,966 units. Medium commercial vehicle sales grew 10.5% to 687 units, and heavy-duty truck and bus sales rose 9.9% to 1,912 units. Dealer sales accounted for 91.1% of total industry sales.

Export sales declined 4% year-on-year to 30,939 units, down from 32,229 units in April 2025. The decrease was primarily attributed to a contraction in the light commercial vehicle segment, which fell 42.9% due to a major exporter's phased rollout of new model production.

The Automotive Business Council noted: "April's performance largely reflected momentum built up over previous months, benefiting from improved financing conditions and more stable sentiment. However, these supportive factors are now facing headwinds from the macroeconomic environment." The organization indicated that tensions in the Middle East have pushed up oil prices, creating cost pressures for the automotive and logistics industries. For South Africa, where road transport supports the majority of freight activity, rising fuel prices are directly transmitted to supply chain costs and consumer prices.

The Automotive Business Council welcomed the government's extension and expansion of temporary fuel tax relief measures, including the extension of the R3 per litre petrol tax relief until June 2, an additional 93 cents per litre diesel tax relief in May, and a phased withdrawal from June 3. The organization warned that potential cost pressures related to rising global oil prices are expected to persist.

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