Chamwe Kaira
Vehicle sales increased in February, showing stronger demand in the market.
A total of 1 165 vehicles were sold during the month. This is a 4.1% increase compared to February 2025 and a 15.9% rise from January’s 1 005 units.
A report by Simonis Storm said the figure is the strongest February performance since 2016.
Total sales for January and February reached 2,170 units, up 4.1% from the same period last year.
Passenger vehicles drove the increase.
Sales rose to 582 units in February from 495 in January.
This figure is a 17.6% increase. Compared to February 2025, passenger vehicle sales increased by 13.9%.
Commercial vehicle sales also increased on a monthly basis. Sales rose to 583 units in February from 510 in January.
This is a 14.3% increase. However, sales declined slightly compared to February 2025.
Light commercial vehicles recorded 503 units, down 6.9% year-on-year. Medium commercial vehicles recorded 24 units.
Heavy commercial vehicles increased to 18 units, while extra-heavy vehicles rose to 35 units. Bus sales increased to three units. Rental companies increased purchases during the month.
They bought 82 vehicles, up from 32 units in January. Dealership sales remained the largest at 1 083 units.
Government purchases were not recorded. Japanese brands led the market. They accounted for 728 units, or 62.5% of total sales. Toyota remained the top-selling brand with 622 units.
The Hilux model continued to see demand across sectors such as agriculture and mining. Suzuki recorded 34 units.
Chinese brands increased their share. They sold 142 units, making up 12.2% of total sales. Haval led with 31 units.
Jetour increased to 27 units from five in January. Other brands included GWM, Chery and JAC. German brands also recorded higher sales. Volkswagen led with 104 units.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi recorded smaller volumes. Ford sold 75 units. Indian brands recorded 33 units.
Mahindra led this segment. New entrant Eicher recorded early sales in the heavy vehicle segment.
