These are the 5 automakers that posted the strongest year-on-year sales growth in South Africa in Q1 2026. Somewhat predictably, Chinese brands dominate the list…
- Chinese automakers take 4 places in the top 5
- Jetour SA sales rocket nearly 250% year on year
- Honda quietly posts 46.2% year-on-year growth
South Africa’s new-vehicle market grew 12.4% year on year to a heady 161 978 units in the opening quarter of 2026. Drilling down, we see that several automakers outpaced the overall market’s growth, posting impressive year-on-year gains in Q1 2026.
So, which automakers grew the most in the year’s opening 3-month reporting period? Well, we’ve tallied up Mzansi’s new-vehicle sales figures for Q1 2026 and compared them directly to Q1 2025’s numbers. That allowed us to identify the manufacturers that registered the strongest year-on-year growth.
We’ve focused on automakers that operate in the light-vehicle segments, omitting truck- and bus-only manufacturers from this exercise. In addition, we’ve based our calculations on “manufacturer” totals, as reported to Naamsa. So, note that certain individual brands are grouped under broader manufacturer banners (for instance, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, Opel and Peugeot all fall under Stellantis).
Furthermore, we should point out that some automakers – such as MG, BYD and Tata – either weren’t present in the local passenger-vehicle market in Q1 2025 or weren’t reporting sales figures at that time. As such, we cannot calculate their respective year-on-year changes in sales.
1. Jetour (4 991 units) – up 249.0%
According to figures reported to Naamsa, Chinese brand Jetour – which technically falls under the Chery Group banner but operates independently in South Africa – posted the strongest growth in the local market in Q1 2026. In the end, Jetour sales surged a whopping 249.0% year on year to 4 991 units. Much of that momentum came courtesy of the brand’s T1 and T2 crossovers, which launched locally in mid-November 2025.
2. Foton (1 529 units) – up 183.7%
Distributed locally by the Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) Group, Chinese brand Foton enjoyed an impressive 183.7% year-on-year increase in sales in the opening quarter of the year to end on 1 529 units. While the Tunland bakkie range (including the G7, V7 and V9 models) performed well for the firm, its volumes were virtually matched by the Truckmate that likewise plays in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment.
3. Omoda & Jaecoo (4 143 units) – up 78.5%
Omoda & Jaecoo – also known as Brand O&J, forming part of the Chery Group – completed an all-Chinese podium in Q1 2026, with local registrations growing an appreciable 78.5% year on year to 4 143 units. The arrival of the Jaecoo J5 and Omoda C7 provided the automaker with additional sales volume, though the C5 – which accounted for over 60% of the brand’s first-quarter total in 2026 – enjoyed a 58.2% year-on-year increase in sales.
4. Honda (930 units) – up 46.2%
The only non-Chinese automaker to make the top 5, Honda quietly grew its local sales – admittedly off a comparatively low base – some 46.2% year on year in Q1 2026. In the end, the Japanese marque sold 930 units over the opening 3 months of the year. Interestingly, the Elevate – which accounted for 58.3% of the brand’s sales in Q1 2026 – led the charge, with local registrations of the Indian-built crossover increasing a hefty 127.7% compared to the same reporting period in 2025.
5. GWM (7 912 units) – up 42.9%
Fittingly, yet another Chinese manufacturer closed out the top 5. In the opening 3 months of 2026, GWM (including Haval, Tank, P-Series and Ora models) increased its local registrations 42.9% year on year to 7 912 units – enough to see the company rank 6th overall in South Africa. Sales of the P-Series surged 145.6% year on year, while Tank 300 registrations rocketed 249.5% compared to Q1 2025. The Jolion, H6 and H7 all likewise gained sales, year on year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About South Africa’s Q1 2026 Sales Growth
Q: Which manufacturer saw the most rapid expansion in the first quarter of 2026?
A: Jetour claimed the top spot for growth, with its sales soaring by 249.0% year-on-year to 4 991 units. This exceptional surge was primarily driven by the strong local reception of its T1 and T2 crossover models, which were introduced in late 2025 and have quickly gained significant market traction.
Q: How did the “Brand O&J” (Omoda & Jaecoo) group perform in a competitive market?
A: Omoda & Jaecoo secured third place on the growth leaderboard, registering a 78.5% year-on-year increase in sales to 4 143 units. Its volume was bolstered by the recent launch of the Jaecoo J5 and Omoda C7, though the established Omoda C5 remained the primary driver, accounting for over 60% of its quarterly sales.
Q: What are the main drivers behind Honda’s 46.2% year-on-year growth?
A: Honda was the only non-Chinese manufacturer to crack the top five, selling 930 units. Its success is heavily attributed to the Elevate crossover, which saw a massive 127.7% sales increase compared to the same period in 2025. This single model accounted for 58.3% of the Japanese automaker’s total sales for the first quarter.
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