Staff Writer
Toyota retained its dominant position in Namibia’s vehicle market in August 2026, selling 794 units and accounting for 57.5% of total national vehicle sales, according to Brand Dynamics.
Toyota’s market share was slightly higher than the 57.2% recorded in July, despite lower overall vehicle volumes during the month.
The Toyota Hilux remained the dominant model, contributing about 347 units. This represented more than 25% of total vehicle sales and 56.4% of the light-commercial vehicle segment.
Volkswagen remained the second-largest manufacturer, although its sales declined to 105 units in August from 132 units in July. The brand accounted for 7.6% of the total market, with sales across the Amarok, Polo, Golf and Caddy ranges.
Ford recorded its strongest monthly result of the year, increasing sales to 88 units from 62 in July. Brand Dynamics noted that Ford’s performance comes as the company proceeds with a R5.2 billion investment in a plug-in hybrid Ranger programme at its Silverton plant in South Africa.
Chinese passenger brands recorded a combined 78 units in August, accounting for 12.3% of the passenger vehicle segment. This was down from 19.2% in July and below the 20–24% range recorded between April and July.
Haval recorded 37 units through its H6 and Jolion models, while Jetour sold 22 units. GWM recorded nine passenger units, while Chery recorded no passenger vehicle sales in August compared with 14 in July.
The mid-market included Suzuki and Shacman with 31 units each, followed by Isuzu and GWM with 28 units each. Mahindra sold 21 units, while Nissan, JAC and Hino each recorded 19 units.
Mercedes-Benz and FAW each recorded 16 units, completing the top 15 manufacturers for August.
Brand Dynamics said the August figures showed a broad distribution of sales among Japanese, Chinese and Indian brands across passenger, light-commercial and heavy-commercial categories.
The research also highlighted continued competition from Chinese vehicle manufacturers, particularly in the passenger market, where Chinese brands have expanded their presence in Namibia during 2026.
Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz combined for 121 units in August, equivalent to 8.8% of the total market.
According to Brand Dynamics, Chinese alternatives are competing on price in the entry and mid-market passenger segments, with comparable specifications estimated to be priced 25–40% lower in some cases.
The research identified Ford’s August performance, the future trajectory of Jetour’s sales and the continued development of after-sales and service networks among Chinese manufacturers as key areas to monitor in the coming months.
