The South African motor industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, with shifting consumer preferences, affordability pressures and new competitors reshaping the landscape. These themes will take centre stage when Cars.co.za launches its first Industry Report at DealerCon 2025 in Sandton.
The report is based on Cars.co.za’s market data and insights from TransUnion. It highlights the rapid rise of SUVs and crossovers, which have doubled in number since 2015, while sedans have lost more than 60 percent of their share. Demand for double-cab bakkies has also surged, driven by their evolution from work vehicles into lifestyle products. Automatics now dominate in this category, climbing from 25 percent of sales in 2015 to over 70 percent today.
Chinese brands have had a striking impact, growing their market share by 749 percent since 2015. Models from Chery, Haval and Omoda now compete directly with established manufacturers and achieve stronger resale values than many expected.
On the finance front, affordability remains a major concern. The cheapest new car in 2025 costs almost double what the entry-level Chery QQ3 did a decade ago. Financing even the most basic model requires a minimum net salary of R21 900 per month, far above the average South African income.
Hybrids such as the Toyota Corolla Cross have found success, proving that consumers value affordability and trusted brands when adopting new energy vehicles. Pure electric cars, however, continue to face challenges due to cost and infrastructure. Meanwhile, diesel-powered double cabs remain as popular as ever.
The DealerCon event, themed “SHIFT: A Decade of Change,” will provide dealers with insights on how to adapt to these trends. As Amasi Mwela, Managing Director of Cars.co.za, notes, “Periods of disruption can feel daunting, but history tells us they are also when the strongest businesses emerge.”
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