South Africa’s auto market started 2026 on a stronger footing, with total vehicle sales rising in January to 50.07K units, up from 48.98K units in December 2025. The latest data, updated on 2 February 2026, signals renewed momentum in the sector after the year-end close.
The increase of just over 1,000 vehicles month-on-month suggests resilient demand despite broader economic uncertainties, and positions the auto industry on a firmer trajectory heading into the rest of 2026. Market participants will now be watching whether January’s uptick marks the beginning of a more sustained recovery in South African vehicle sales.
