Chamwe Kaira
Vehicle sales opened the fourth quarter on a soft note, with new vehicle sales declining for the seventh straight month in October. Sales fell to 1 267 units, a 2.8% drop from the 1 303 units recorded in September.
This followed a 3.3% rebound in September.
Despite the monthly dip, the broader trend is positive. October sales were 10.7% higher year-on-year, extending the recovery that began after the 9% annual drop recorded in March.
The year 2025 continues to outperform 2024. Sales have fallen below the 1 000-unit mark only once this year, with January recording 966 units.
Year-to-date sales now stand at 12 112 units, the strongest performance since before the pandemic.
In comparison, 2023, the best year in five years, recorded 10 749 units. This means 2025 is ahead by 12.68%.
Passenger vehicle sales edged up 0.2% month-on-month, while commercial vehicle sales fell 4.9%. On an annual basis, both categories grew. Passenger vehicles rose 7.4% year-on-year, and commercial vehicles grew 13.3%.
“Industry players note that commercial sales often lead broader market shifts by roughly 12 months, suggesting that the strength seen in 2025 could support continued recovery into 2026, particularly if business confidence and commercial activity remain firm,” said Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm.
Light commercial vehicles continued to dominate the segment with 632 units sold, up 4% year-on-year.
Medium commercial vehicles rose 17% to 27 units, and heavy commercial vehicles increased 50% to 21 units. Extra-heavy units also grew strongly, with 34 units sold, up 36% year on year. Bus sales remained low at one unit.
“The underlying strength in demand remains concentrated in the retail market. Dealerships accounted for 99.92% of all vehicles sold in October, totalling 1 266 units. Rental companies recorded 0% purchases for the first time this year, reflecting the end of the peak tourism season. A notable development came from the public sector, with one vehicle purchase recorded — the first government acquisition since the lifting of the long-standing vehicle procurement ban,” said Jansen.
Jansen said Namibia’s automotive sector continues to show signs of recovery.
“Strong dealership-driven activity, improving consumer sentiment, and robust commercial vehicle sales place 2025 on track to become the country’s strongest sales year since 2018, underscoring a more stable and confident demand environment as the year draws to a close.”
