Chamwe Kaira
Vehicle sales continued on a steady but slower path in November, extending a trend seen since the March peak this year. Industry data compiled by Simonis Storm shows new vehicle sales reached 1 244 units, down 1.8% from October’s 1 267 units.
Despite the monthly dip, sales remained well above last year’s levels.
November sales were 13.8% higher than in November 2024, when 1 093 units were sold.
The year 2025 is shaping up as the strongest for the Namibian automotive sector since the pre-pandemic peak of 2015. Year-to-date sales stand at 13 356 units, exceeding the full-year total for 2023 of 11 918 units by 12.1%.
Sales fell below 1 000 units only once this year, in January, when 966 units were recorded.
November data shows mixed performance across vehicle segments.
Passenger vehicle sales declined by 8% from October and were 8.8% lower than a year earlier, showing continued pressure in the private market.
Commercial vehicle sales moved in the opposite direction, rising 2.7% month-on-month and jumping 37.5% year-on-year. Analysts say commercial vehicle trends often signal broader market movements about a year ahead, pointing to further recovery in 2026 if business conditions remain supportive.
Light commercial vehicles drove most of the growth, with 646 units sold, up 33.5% from November 2024. Medium commercial vehicle sales increased by 20% to 24 units.
Heavy commercial vehicle sales fell sharply by 47% to nine units.
Extra-heavy commercial vehicles recorded strong growth, with 49 units sold, a 63.3% increase from last year.
Bus sales remained low at six units, down from eight a year earlier.
Retail buyers continued to dominate the market, accounting for 99.6% of total vehicle sales in November.
Dealerships sold 1 239 units, while rental companies bought five units as demand eased after the peak tourism season. The public sector recorded no vehicle purchases during the month.
Market indicators suggest 2025 could become the strongest vehicle sales year in a decade, moving closer to the 2015 peak of 19 596 units.
Japanese brands remained the clear market leaders. In November, they sold 857 units, equal to 68.9% of total monthly sales.
Year-to-date Japanese vehicle sales reached 8 718 units, lifting their market share to about 65%, up from 63% last year.
Toyota continued to anchor this performance through models such as the Hilux, Corolla Cross and Fortuner.
Chinese brands sold 122 units in November, taking a 9.8% market share, more than double their share a year ago. GWM led the segment with 26 units, while newer brands such as Omoda, Jetour and Jaecoo expanded their presence through competitive pricing, modern SUV designs and wider dealer networks.
German brands posted subdued results, selling 119 units in November, or 9.6% of the market. Volkswagen accounted for 85 units, followed by Mercedes-Benz with 21.
German manufacturers are shifting focus toward rental and corporate fleets as private buyers favour lower-priced Asian brands. American brands, led by Ford, sold 66 units, representing 5.5% of total sales, with hybrid and newer models expected to support future demand.
The Bank of Namibia cut the repo rate by 25 basis points earlier in the quarter, bringing it down to 6.50%. Market expectations point to a possible further 25 basis point cut in the first quarter of 2026, which would lower the rate to 6.25%.
Caption
This year is shaping up to be the strongest for the Namibian automotive sector since the pre-pandemic peak of 2015. Vehicle sales stand at 13 356 units so far, surpassing 2023’s total of 11 918 units by 12.1%.
