These are the 5 automakers that posted the strongest year-on-year sales growth in South Africa in the opening half of 2026. Perhaps unsurprisingly, all are Chinese…
- Chinese automakers occupy all 5 top spots
- Jetour SA registrations rocket nearly 230%
- Foton’s LCV models drive strong growth
In the opening half of 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle market grew 12.9% year on year to 315 303 units. Several automakers outpaced the overall industry’s growth, posting even more impressive year-on-year gains in H1 2026. But which ones registered the very strongest sales growth in the first 6 months of the year?
Well, we’ve tallied up SA’s new-vehicle sales figures for H1 2026 and compared them directly to H1 2025’s numbers. That allowed us to identify the 5 manufacturers – in this instance, all of them Chinese – that registered the strongest year-on-year growth.
Note that we’ve focused on automakers that operate in the light-vehicle segments, omitting typically low-volume truck- and bus-only manufacturers from this exercise. In addition, we’ve based our calculations on “manufacturer” totals, as reported to industry-representative body Naamsa. So, keep in mind that certain individual brands are grouped under broader manufacturer banners.
Furthermore, we should point out that some automakers (including MG, BYD, Tata, Changan and LDV) either weren’t present in the local passenger-vehicle market in H1 2025 or weren’t reporting sales figures to Naamsa at that time. As such, we cannot calculate any year-on-year changes in sales for these brands.
Jetour (10 869 units) – up 228.8%
Based on registration figures reported to Naamsa, Chinese firm Jetour posted the strongest growth in H1 2026, with local sales surging a whopping 228.8% year on year to 10 869 units. The T2 accounted for nearly half of that volume, with 4 942 units registered during this 6-month reporting period. The growth saw Jetour – which falls under the Chery Group globally but operates largely independently in South Africa – climb from 15th place in H1 2025 to 9th position in H1 2026.
Foton (3 052 units) – up 132.4%
Imported and distributed by the CMH Group, Chinese brand Foton also saw a strong year-on-year improvement in the first half of the year, with local registrations rocketing 132.4% to 3 052 units. Much of that sales volume (1 249 units, to be exact) came courtesy of the Tunland bakkie range (including the G7, V7 and V9 models), though the Truckmate that likewise operates in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment also played an important role.
Omoda & Jaecoo (8 311 units) – up 62.4%
Despite being overtaken by Jetour in pure volume terms, the Chery Group’s Omoda & Jaecoo division nevertheless continued its steady climb up the list of South Africa’s best-selling automakers, moving from 14th place in H1 2025 to 12th position in H1 2026. In the end, the dual-brand division enjoyed a 62.4% year-on-year increase in registrations to reach 8 311 units – with 5 219 of those sales coming courtesy of the Omoda C5.
JAC (1 855 units) – up 42.6%
Thanks largely to the growing popularity of its T-Series range of bakkies – which includes the T6, T8 and T9 – the Hefei-based JAC brand posted a healthy 42.6% year-on-year improvement in registrations in Mzansi in H1 2026. In the end, the Chinese firm reached a total of 1 855 units during this period, with its T-Series bakkie line-up contributing the majority at 1 531 units.
GWM (15 610 units) – up 31.9%
Finally, GWM – which is the longest-standing Chinese brand in South Africa, having entered the local market back in 2007 – registered 15 610 units in the opening half of 2026, representing an increase of 31.9%, year on year. That performance saw GWM (including its Haval, Tank, P-Series and Ora models) climb a ranking to 6th in H1 2026. The company’s most popular nameplate during this period was the Haval Jolion, with 7 588 units (or a little under half the company’s total volume).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which automaker achieved the highest year-on-year sales growth in South Africa during the first half of 2026?
A: Jetour achieved the strongest growth in H1 2026, with local sales rocketing a massive 228.8% year on year to reach 10 869 units. This performance pushed the brand from 15th up to 9th position overall in the market, heavily supported by the Jetour T2, which accounted for nearly half of its volume with 4 942 units registered.
Q: How did light-commercial vehicle (LCV) and bakkie sales drive the growth numbers for Foton and JAC?
A: LCV and bakkie models were key drivers for both brands. Foton secured the 2nd highest growth spot with a 132.4% increase to 3 052 units, largely propelled by 1 249 registrations from its Tunland bakkie range (G7, V7, and V9) along with the Truckmate. JAC claimed the 4th position with a 42.6% improvement to 1 855 units, with its T-Series bakkie lineup (T6, T8, and T9) contributing the lion’s share at 1 531 units.
Q: What were the sales volumes and performance highlights for the remaining top Chinese vehicle manufacturers?
A: The Chery Group’s Omoda & Jaecoo division ranked 3rd with a 62.4% sales surge to 8 311 units, led primarily by the Omoda C5’s 5 219 registrations. Long-standing market player GWM locked down the 5th spot on the list of strongest growers in H1 2026, increasing its volume by 31.9% to 15 610 units, which lifted the manufacturer to 6th place in overall local market rankings. The Haval Jolion remained GWM’s primary volume driver, contributing 7 588 units.
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