From which countries were most of South Africa’s imported light vehicles sourced last year? Well, just 2 nations accounted for a whopping 74.2% or 225 809 units between them…
Imported cars represented a considerable 62.8% of South Africa’s total new light-vehicle sales in 2024, with 304 355 units (out of an overall market of 484 808 units) shipped into Mzansi from 24 countries, according to Naamsa. That’s up on the 59.3% share reported for 2023.
So, which nations sent over most of South Africa’s imported light vehicles in 2024? Well, India was yet again the top country of origin in pure volume terms, with 173 742 passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles (LCV) imported into Mzansi last year. That accounts for a whopping 57.1% (up from 53.2% in 2023) of the total light vehicles imported in 2024.
Meanwhile, China consolidated 2nd position on the list of top countries of origin, with the South Asian giant accounting for a further 17.1% (or 52 067 units) of South Africa’s imported light vehicles last year. For the record, China sent over 39 308 units (or 13.3%) in 2023, so it’s clear local buyers are increasingly favouring models built in the world’s 2nd most populous nation.
Together, India and China were therefore responsible for a mammoth 225 809 units or 74.2% – so, very nearly 3 quarters – of new light vehicles shipped into South Africa in 2024. Of course, several global brands have established large-scale production facilities in India over the past few years, focusing primarily on budget vehicles.
Many of these Indian-built models are particularly relevant to South Africa’s price-sensitive market. In fact, 4 of Mzansi’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles last year were produced in India (the Suzuki Swift, Toyota Starlet, Hyundai Grand i10 and Nissan Magnite). Of the top 20, as many as 13 were sourced from India.
What about China? Well, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion were again the biggest passenger-vehicle drivers of volume from this part of the world, while the GWM P-Series again played that role in the LCV space. It’s worth keeping in mind some non-Chinese brands – such as Kia with its Pegas, Ford with its Territory and Volvo with its EX30 – also source vehicles from China.
But back to the top countries of origin for SA’s imported light vehicles in 2024. Interestingly, Germany moved up a ranking to 3rd last year, despite shipping over fewer vehicles (at 17 012 units) than it did the prior year. Japan slipped a place to 4th, with its contribution plummeting from 21 507 units in 2023 to 12 705 units in 2024.
Though its tally likewise fell year on year, Spain (9 513 units) climbed a spot to 5th, with Thailand (6 346 units) surging 3 rankings to claim 6th. With its contribution falling from more than 13 000 units in 2023 to just 5 737 units in 2024, South Korea slipped 2 positions to 7th.
Fascinatingly, Portugal (4 133 units) – the country in which VW builds the T-Roc – burst into the top 10 to claim 8th, pushing ahead of the United States (3 925 units), which thus fell a place to 9th. Finally, France retained 10th position, accounting for 3 019 units.
The United Kingdom, which ranked a relatively strong 7th in 2023, was forced out of the top 10 altogether last year. Some 13 other countries collectively contributed the remaining 16 156 units of South Africa’s imported light vehicles in 2024.
Top countries of origin for SA’s imported light vehicles in 2024
1. India – 173 742 units (57.1%)
2. China – 52 067 units (17.1%)
3. Germany – 17 012 units (5.6%)
4. Japan – 12 705 units (4.2%)
5. Spain – 9 513 units (3.1%)
6. Thailand – 6 346 units (2.1%)
7. South Korea – 5 737 units (1.9%)
8. Portugal – 4 133 units (1.4%)
9. United States – 3 925 units (1.3%)
10. France – 3 019 units (1.0%)
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