South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded 61,645 domestic sales in September 2026, up 12.7% year on year, according to naamsa’s release of 1 October. Vehicle exports declined 18.8% to 31,473 units.
Dealers accounted for an estimated 81.4% of domestic sales. Passenger-car sales reached 44,291 units, while light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses contributed 14,361.
What the figures mean for tyre businesses
For tyre dealers, the practical question is whether changes in the vehicles entering their catchment areas are reflected in enquiries, fitment specifications and stock turnover. National vehicle totals provide context; workshop records and distributor orders are needed to establish what is happening at the tyre counter.
The distinction matters. Domestic new-vehicle sales include imported vehicles, so stronger sales cannot be translated directly into orders for South African tyre factories. Equally, a fall in vehicle exports is not a measure of tyre exports.
Replacement demand depends on the existing vehicle fleet, mileage, tyre condition and purchasing decisions. The September release does not establish a corresponding increase in replacement-tyre sales.
A useful planning check
Dealers can compare their own enquiries, lost sales and stock movements by tyre size against changes in the local vehicle mix. Any decision to broaden stock should be supported by that business-level evidence, rather than the headline growth rate alone.
