August 2025 showed that South Africa’s trucking market is facing some headwinds, with heavy-duty truck and bus sales coming in at 1,923 units, down by 8.8% from August 2024’s 2,108 units. Compared to July’s 2,079 units, the market dipped slightly, reflecting ongoing adjustments amid global trade pressures and mixed economic signals.
FAW Trucks maintained their lead, moving 540 units – setting a new high for 2025. Toyota held steady in second with 349 units, while Isuzu followed closely with 333. Daimler and Scania completed the top five, holding their ground in a competitive landscape.
No major shifts in the rankings this month, with the top 10 largely unchanged from July. UD Trucks SA remained ahead of Volvo Group SA, and Tata stayed in the mix at the bottom of the list.
Top 10 Heavy-Duty Truck Brands by Sales in South Africa – August 2025
| Brand | Units Sold | Sales | Last Month Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. FAW Trucks | 540 | ▲ Increased | 1 |
| 2. Toyota | 349 | ▼ Decreased | 2 |
| 3. Isuzu Motors SA | 333 | ▲ Increased | 3 |
| 4. Daimler Truck SA | 258 | ▼ Decreased | 4 |
| 5. Scania | 190 | ▼ Decreased | 5 |
| 6. UD Trucks SA | 182 | ▼ Decreased | 6 |
| 7. Volvo Group SA | 168 | ▼ Decreased | 7 |
| 8. MAN | 135 | ▼ Decreased | 8 |
| 9. Powerstar | 105 | ▼ Decreased | 9 |
| 10. Tata | 72 | ▲ Increased | 10 |
Industry Outlook
The overall commercial vehicle market showed mixed results. Medium commercial vehicle sales came in at 717 units, down a modest 3.9% from August 2024. Combined with the South African Reserve Bank’s recent repo rate cut to 7.00% in July, financing conditions remain supportive, though inflationary pressures from fuel adjustments could temper fleet expansions.
naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa highlighted the domestic strength:
“We are encouraged by the sustained positive momentum in new vehicle sales, which clearly underscores the resilience of South African consumers and the strategic importance of a stable macro-economic policy environment.”
Industry Pressure Building on Exports
While local sales continue to drive the industry, exports face mounting challenges. Vehicle export volumes rose to 37,500 units in August, up 6.2% from August 2024, but the sector is adjusting to renewed US tariff uncertainty and heightened global competition.
The 30% tariff on local exports to the US, effective from 7 August 2025, has already impacted flows, with exports to the US sharply lower year-to-date. Mabasa didn’t sugarcoat it: “The reimposition of these tariffs is deeply disappointing and has far-reaching implications. Without urgent trade remedy, the socio-economic fallout could be severe.”
He added that naamsa is now doubling down on pushing regional trade and Africa-Asia market access, especially with SA Auto Week 2025 around the corner – set for 1-3 October in Gqeberha.
“We must seize this moment. With positive domestic fundamentals and export volumes holding firm, now is the time to intensify policy co-ordination, deepen localisation, and invest boldly in the technologies of the future.”
Looking Ahead
The truck sector’s outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains cautiously optimistic. Local demand is resilient, interest rates are favourable, and brands like FAW and Toyota continue to build momentum. However, export headwinds and potential inflationary spikes could create turbulence. Full naamsa report here.
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