South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry exported a record number of new vehicles in 2025. So, which markets bought the most “Made-in-SA” cars and bakkies?
- 70.5% of light vehicles built in SA in 2025 were exported
- Countries in Europe dominate top 10 export destinations
- VW was yet again SA’s biggest vehicle-exporter in 2025
In 2025, South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry increased its new-vehicle export figure 5.9% year-on-year to a record 414 271 units, according to Naamsa. So, which markets – out of the 109 countries served last year – were the biggest export destinations for SA-built light vehicles?
Well, before we look at exactly where the majority of SA’s locally built cars and bakkies ended up in 2025, it’s worth noting passenger-car exports comprised 258 655 units (or 62.5%) of the total, while light-commercial vehicle (LCV) exports numbered 153 858 units (or 37.1%). The remaining 0.4% represented medium- and heavy-commercial vehicle and bus exports.
- ALSO READ: How many cars did China ship to SA in 2025?
If we exclude the latter and look specifically at light vehicles – that is, new passenger cars and LCVs – we see some 412 513 units were shipped from South Africa in 2025. That represents a considerable 70.5% of the 585 408 light vehicles that were produced locally last year.
Most SA-built vehicles still go to Europe
According to figures released by industry-representative body Naamsa, Germany was again the top export destination (for the 3rd consecutive year), accounting for 77 890 units or 18.9% of SA-built light vehicles exported in 2025. Still, the United Kingdom wasn’t far behind in 2nd on 70 798 units (or 17.2% of the total).
France (36 082 units) completed the podium, with Belgium (27 643 units) taking 4th ahead of the 5th-placed Italy (23 041 units). Next came Spain (23 026 units) in 6th and Poland (13 045 units) in 7th position.
Australia ranked 8th overall, receiving 12 036 units from SA’s automotive manufacturing industry in 2025. Turkey (9 127 units) and Austria (8 846 units) closed out the list of top 10 export-destination markets, with 99 other countries together accounting for the remaining 110 979 units.
The vehicles exported from SA last year
According to Naamsa, Volkswagen was yet again the biggest vehicle-exporter from South Africa in 2025, followed by BMW, Ford, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz dropped from 2nd place in 2024 to 5th in 2025, while BMW climbed from 4th to 2nd over the same period.
As a reminder, the passenger vehicles manufactured in South Africa and exported to other markets last year were the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota Fortuner, Volkswagen Polo hatchback and Volkswagen Polo Vivo.
Meanwhile, the light-commercial vehicles produced on local soil and exported in 2025 were the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Hi-Ace, Toyota Quantum and Volkswagen Amarok. Note, however, that Nissan has since wrapped up local production of the Navara (in May 2026), with Chinese firm Chery having purchased the Rosslyn plant.
SA-built light vehicles in 2025: top 10 export destinations
| DESTINATION COUNTRY | EXPORTS | SHARE OF EXPORTS | |
| 1 | Germany | 77 890 units | 18.9% |
| 2 | United Kingdom | 70 798 units | 17.2% |
| 3 | France | 36 082 units | 8.7% |
| 4 | Belgium | 27 643 units | 6.7% |
| 5 | Italy | 23 041 units | 5.6% |
| 6 | Spain | 23 026 units | 5.6% |
| 7 | Poland | 13 045 units | 3.2% |
| 8 | Australia | 12 036 units | 2.9% |
| 9 | Turkey | 9 127 units | 2.2% |
| 10 | Austria | 8 846 units | 2.1% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which international markets were the top destinations for South African vehicle exports in 2025?
A: European nations heavily dominated the top export markets. Germany secured the number one spot for the third consecutive year, importing 77 890 units (18.9% share), closely followed by the United Kingdom in second place with 70 798 units (17.2% share). France completed the podium in third place with 36 082 units (8.7% share).
Q: Who were the largest automotive exporters in South Africa, and how did their rankings change?
A: Volkswagen retained its title as South Africa’s biggest vehicle exporter in 2025. There was a notable shift among the chasing pack, with BMW climbing from 4th to 2nd place, followed by Ford and Toyota. Mercedes-Benz experienced the most significant drop, falling from 2nd position in 2024 down to 5th place in 2025.
Q: What proportion of locally manufactured vehicles are built for export, and what models are included?
A: Out of 585 408 light vehicles produced in South Africa in 2025, an overwhelming 70.5% (412 513 units) were shipped to global markets. Key export models included passenger vehicles like the VW Polo and BMW X3, alongside popular light commercial bakkies such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
Related content
Explaining the paradox of the SA-built VW Polo
