New-vehicle sales in South Africa maintained strong momentum in August, with sales of 57,898 units representing an increase of 11.4% compared with the same month last year.However, vehicle exports declined by 11.9% last month to 35,091 units compared to August 2025.According to automotive umbrella body Naamsa, domestic growth comes against an affordability backdrop that remains mixed, with relatively stable financing conditions supporting demand while rising fuel costs continue to challenge overall affordability.Passenger vehicles remained the strongest segment, with 41,216 units sold last month for an 11.6% increase over August 2025. Light commercial vehicle sales increased by 11% to 13,727 units, while medium commercial vehicles grew by 16.3% to 805 units, and heavy trucks and buses rose 10.1%, to 2,150 units.“The appetite among South African consumers, car rental agencies and businesses for new vehicles remained strong in August, despite continued pressure on household budgets and rising operating costs,” said Brandon Cohen, chair of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (Nada).The pressure on running costs increased with the fuel price hikes on September 2, where both grades of petrol rose by R1.34/l, while wholesale diesel increased by between R2.93/l and R3.15/l.Rising fuel prices are leading to sustained interest in new-energy vehicles. According to Naamsa, 16,289 new energy vehicle (NEVs) were sold during the first seven months of 2026, an increase of 88% compared with the same period last year.“Customers are increasingly asking dealers about hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, but there is no single solution for every motorist,” Cohen said. “The right option depends on the customer’s budget, driving patterns and access to charging infrastructure.”Toyota maintained its lead as South Africa’s most popular brand in August, selling more than twice the number of vehicles (13,814) as its closest competitor, Suzuki (6,505). Volkswagen Group (5,668), Ford (3,202), Hyundai (3,024), Chery (2,763), GWM (2,594), Isuzu (2,531), Jetour (1,952) and Kia (1,783) rounded out the top 10 brands.The top-selling body styles are typically bakkies, SUVs and small hatchbacks. The Toyota Hilux was the best-selling model range ahead of the Ford Ranger, with the VW Polo Vivo the most popular passenger car, in third overall.Keenly priced Chinese brands continue to make inroads, with the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro remaining the most popular model from that country, in fourth place overall. The affordability of Chinese models has disrupted the market, with once-popular marques such as Mercedes-Benz, Mazda and Nissan falling out of the top 15 best-selling brands. Top 30 selling vehicles — August 20261. Toyota Hilux — 3,8812. Ford Ranger — 2,3733. VW Polo Vivo — 2,3514. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro — 2,2975. Suzuki Swift — 2,1526. Isuzu D-Max — 2,0057. Toyota Corolla Cross — 1,4898. Hyundai Grand i10 — 1,4329. Toyota Starlet — 1,35910. Suzuki Ertiga — 1,31711. Haval Jolion — 1,26112. Toyota Starlet Cross — 1,01513. Suzuki Fronx — 97014. Toyota Urban Cruiser — 87115. Toyota Vitz — 87116. VW Polo — 83717. Omoda C5 — 82318. Jetour T2 — 80219. Toyota Rumion — 77720. Tata Tiago — 76421. Kia Sonet — 76222. Toyota Fortuner — 72323. Mahindra XUV 3XO — 71124. Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up — 61225. Toyota Hiace — 59326. GWM P-Series — 58827. VW T-Cross — 58128. Renault Triber — 53129. Hyundai i20 — 50930. Hyundai Exter — 496* SOURCE: Naamsa/Lightstone Business Day