Chamwe Kaira
Vehicle sales rose to 1 662 units in March, up 43% from 1 162 units in February and 25.3% higher than the 1,326 units recorded in March 2025.
This is the strongest March performance since 2015 and lifts first-quarter sales to 3 835 units, compared to 3 412 units in the same period last year, according to Simonis Storm Securities.
The report said the recovery follows a slow start to the year and is supported by fleet replacements, rental purchases ahead of the tourism season and lower interest rates.
Passenger vehicle sales reached 746 units in March, up 28.8% from 579 units in February and 20.3% higher than a year earlier. This is the strongest monthly performance in this segment in more than two years.
The report said improved affordability, better stock at dealerships and steady consumer demand supported growth.
Toyota and Volkswagen led the increase, with Volkswagen recording 146 passenger units, driven by fleet and tourism demand.
Commercial vehicle sales rose to 916 units, up 57.1% from 583 units in February and 29.7% higher than 706 units recorded in March 2025.
The report said demand is expected to remain strong, supported by construction linked to uranium, gold and copper projects, as well as offshore oil and gas activity. It noted that a final investment decision by TotalEnergies on the Venus project, expected by August 2026, could increase demand for heavy vehicles.
Light commercial vehicles accounted for most sales at 797 units, up 58.4% from February and 37.2% higher than a year earlier. Toyota led this segment with 486 units. Medium commercial vehicles reached 28 units, while heavy and extra-heavy vehicles recorded 33 and 57 units.
Shacman entered the extra-heavy segment with 16 units in its first month.
Rental companies bought 193 vehicles, making up 11.6% of total sales, up from 7% in February. The report said this reflects fleet expansion ahead of the tourism season from May to October.
Dealership sales made up 88.4% of transactions. Government purchases were not recorded during the period.
Japanese brands led the market with 1,069 units, making up 64.3% of total sales. Toyota recorded 882 units, supported by strong performance in passenger and light commercial vehicles. Isuzu also recorded growth, while Suzuki and Nissan maintained steady sales.
Chinese brands sold 219 units, accounting for 13.2% of the market. Haval led this segment, followed by Jetour, GWM, Chery and JAC.
German brands sold 212 units, with a market share of 12.8%. Volkswagen led, while Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi recorded smaller volumes.
Ford led American brands with 85 units, while Indian brands showed steady growth, led by Mahindra, with smaller contributions from Eicher and Tata.
