Chinese automakers raise South Africa car share to 16.8% as low prices lift demand

Chinese automakers expanded their share of South Africa’s passenger car market to 16.8% in 2025 from 11.2% in 2024, industry body naamsa said May 15, 2026, as lower-priced SUVs, technology features and longer warranties reshaped competition. Naamsa said 15 Chinese brands operated in South Africa’s new vehicle market in 2025, up from eight in 2024, including BYD, Chery and GWM. The group said the shift reflects tighter household budgets and weaker brand loyalty, though Toyota remained the overall market leader with a 24.8% share, followed by Suzuki Auto and Volkswagen. South Africa’s automotive exports to the United States fell 26% to 20.4 billion rand ($1.23 billion) in 2025, while shipments to the USMCA region dropped 26.1%. Export volumes to the region declined to 10,042 units from 26,063 in 2024, pressured by U.S. tariffs and a producer’s decision to stop exporting a new model to the U.S.