The Dominance of Three Brands in South Africa’s Second-Hand Car Market
Key Players in a Competitive Landscape
In the bustling second-hand car market of South Africa, three brands have emerged as the clear frontrunners: Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford. Together, these giants account for an impressive 50% of financed used vehicle sales in 2025, according to insights from Lightstone Auto.
Top Choices Among South African Buyers
Emerging data reveals intriguing trends in consumer preferences. The most popular vehicles in this sector are:
- Ford Ranger Double-Cab – 6% share of financed sales
- Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 6% share
- Volkswagen Polo – 5% share
- Toyota Hilux Double-Cab and Suzuki Swift – rounding out the top five
Andrew Hibbert, a data analyst at Lightstone Auto, notes that “four of the five have consistently appeared in the top rankings since 2020,” indicating a strong loyalty among South African buyers.
The Rise of Chinese Brands
Interestingly, there’s a notable shift in consumer interest as Chinese-owned brands begin to shake up the market. Brands like Chery and GWM have made their way into the ranks of the top 15 most popular vehicles in South Africa. With the influx of affordable imports from China and India, local automotive companies face mounting pressure to stay competitive.
CMH (Combined Motor Holdings) recently highlighted how these foreign imports threaten the sales volumes of traditional brands. CEO Jebb McIntosh expressed concerns about the impact on local producers, stating that pricing pressures are intensifying due to these low-cost foreign competitors.
Changing Fuel Types: Hybrids on the Horizon
A Shift in Consumer Preferences
In a market traditionally dominated by petrol and diesel vehicles, the tide is turning towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). In fact, the market share of these emerging technologies has doubled in 2024, now accounting for 1% of all financed used vehicles in 2025.
The government’s push for a green transition—notably outlined in the recent Electric Vehicles White Paper—aims to capitalize on South Africa’s rich mineral resources, essential for EV production.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Government Initiatives and Market Skepticism
In February 2025, the government introduced incentives such as a 150% tax deduction for automakers investing in EV manufacturing facilities. Despite this, industry giants like Volkswagen and Isuzu have raised concerns about the feasibility of these plans, suggesting that the local market favors traditional fuel-powered vehicles.
On the flip side, forward-thinking companies like Stellantis are optimistic about the future. According to Mike Whitfield, Stellantis’s managing director in South Africa, there are plans to explore new energy vehicle production at their upcoming local factory.
Conclusion: A Market in Flux
As South Africa’s automotive landscape evolves, the competition among established brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford will intensify, especially with the rising popularity of hybrid vehicles and the emergence of new players from overseas. With ongoing challenges from foreign imports and shifting consumer preferences, the future of the second-hand car market promises to be anything but predictable.
For a complete overview, check out more insights from Lightstone Auto on their official website.
This article is inspired by the original piece published by Daily Investor and is reproduced with permission.
