Indian, Japanese & Chinese Car Brands Dominate SA Market as Buyers Ditch Legacy Automakers

South Africa’s car market is undergoing a dramatic transformation as local consumers increasingly shift away from traditional legacy automakers toward newer, more cost-effective options—many of which come from Asia.

This change has given rise to a new wave of top performers, particularly car brands from China, India, and Japan. At the forefront of this shift are Chery (China), Mahindra (India), and Suzuki (Japan), which have all rapidly climbed the sales charts to become household names across the country.

Chinese Car Brands: Floodgates Now Open

The most dominant newcomers in the South African automotive space are undeniably the Chinese brands, with Chery spearheading this trend. After relaunching locally in 2021, Chery wasted no time establishing a strong foothold. In 2024 alone, the brand moved 19,791 units—an impressive figure for such a recent entrant.

Thanks to better designs, affordable pricing, and loaded feature sets, South Africans have become far more receptive to Chinese brands than they were a decade ago. Chery’s success has helped clear the path for fellow Chinese automakers like GWM, Omoda, Jaecoo, Jetour, MG, and GAC, many of which are now growing their dealer networks and vehicle lineups nationwide.

As of March 2025, over a quarter of all car brands available in South Africa are Chinese—a testament to their growing influence. This rapid influx is fundamentally changing the makeup of the local car industry.

Mahindra: India’s Underrated Contender

Mahindra may not attract the same level of attention as the Chinese brands flooding the market, but it has quietly established itself as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing carmakers.

In the financial year ending March 2025, Mahindra experienced a staggering 40% year-on-year growth in sales—registering a record-breaking 15,088 vehicles. The brand also achieved internal milestones with its best-ever SUV and bakkie sales months, selling 1,000 and 1,256 units respectively.

Although Mahindra hasn’t yet cracked the top 10 in overall rankings, its consistent growth positions it as a strong competitor against established brands like Isuzu and Nissan. Its rugged vehicles, affordable pricing, and expanding dealer network are helping it win over South African drivers.

Suzuki: The Japanese Value Champion

Suzuki has long been a familiar name in South Africa, but its popularity has skyrocketed since the early 2020s. While Toyota continues to dominate as South Africa’s top-selling brand, Suzuki has rapidly gained market share, primarily by offering practical and budget-friendly cars.

Its focus on affordability—especially in the under-R300,000 price range—has struck a chord with South Africans navigating post-pandemic economic realities. In 2024, Suzuki sold a record 62,750 vehicles, a 20.75% year-on-year improvement. This performance has solidified Suzuki’s place as the second-best-selling car brand in the country, overtaking long-time favorites like Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Ford.

Key Features of Top Asian Brands in South Africa

Legacy Brands Fall Behind

Legacy automakers like Volkswagen, Ford, and Hyundai are starting to lose ground as consumer priorities evolve. South Africans are now prioritizing affordability, practicality, and value over brand heritage—particularly as economic pressures mount.

Asian manufacturers are proving agile in meeting these demands, offering high-spec vehicles at accessible price points. Their rapid growth shows no signs of slowing, with more models, more dealerships, and more innovation on the horizon. If current trends continue, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese brands will not just dominate—but redefine—the future of the South African car market.

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