South Africa’s auto market showed renewed momentum in March 2026, with total vehicle sales rising 17.30% year-on-year, up sharply from a 11.40% gain recorded in February 2026. The latest figures, updated on 1 April 2026, highlight a strengthening recovery in demand when compared with the same period a year earlier.
On a year-over-year basis, the March reading indicates that sales growth not only remained positive but also accelerated notably versus February’s performance. The comparison framework measures how much total vehicle sales have changed in the month relative to the corresponding month of the previous year, with the “previous” indicator reflecting February’s year-on-year change and the “actual” indicator capturing March’s year-on-year change.
The stronger March result suggests improving conditions in South Africa’s automotive sector as the first quarter of 2026 closed, with the pace of annual growth in vehicle sales picking up heading into the second quarter.
