The South African heavy-duty truck market showed steady performance in May 2025, bolstered by improving economic conditions and a much-anticipated interest rate cut. According to naamsa – The Automotive Business Council, the industry recorded 1,969 sales in the heavy truck and bus segment, up 6.7% from the same period last year.
Leading the pack in commercial vehicle sales was FAW Trucks, clocking in a whopping 487 units sold, continuing their strong upward trend seen throughout 2025.
This follows monthly increases from 334 units in January to a high of 456 in April. The Chinese manufacturer is clearly on a roll, driven by affordability and a no-nonsense product range that suits the local haulage environment.
Top 10 Heavy-Duty Truck Brands by Sales in South Africa – May 2025
| Brand | Units Sold | Sales | Last Month Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. FAW Trucks | 487 | 1 | |
| 2. Isuzu Motors South Africa | 325 | 4 | |
| 3. Daimler Truck Southern Africa | 315 | 3 | |
| 4. Toyota | 288 | 2 | |
| 5. Scania | 283 | 7 | |
| 6. UD Trucks SA | 164 | 6 | |
| 7. Volvo Group SA | 136 | 5 | |
| 8. MAN | 111 | 8 | |
| 9. Powerstar | 96 | 9 | |
| 10. Mercedes-Benz SA | 80 | 12 |
Commenting on the broader market, Mikel M. Mabasa, CEO of naamsa, said:
“The SARB’s latest decision to lower interest rates is both timely and commendable. It directly supports consumer affordability and boosts production competitiveness at a time when global uncertainty is weighing heavily on our export markets.”
The industry also welcomed a strong month overall, with aggregate vehicle sales up 22% compared to May 2024. Medium truck sales jumped by 22.7%, further reinforcing the role of commercial vehicles in driving post-pandemic economic recovery.
Although exports dipped by 14.6%, domestic sentiment is on the rise thanks to lower inflation, improved credit access, and a rand gaining strength.
As Mabasa concluded:
“The automotive sector finds itself once again at the coalface of global economic shifts. Yet our industry has proven its resilience time and time again.”
With the second half of the year underway, local truck makers and importers will be looking to build on this momentum as South Africa’s freight economy gears up for growth. Read the full naamsa report here.
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