Toyota's sales dominance continues
Toyota strengthened its grip on Namibia's vehicle market in June, accounting for more than half of all new vehicle sales, while Chinese manufacturers continued to make rapid gains across the passenger vehicle segment.
An analysis by Simonis Storm shows Toyota sold 857 vehicles during June, giving it a 56.3% share of the country's total vehicle sales of 1 523 units. The performance ranks among Toyota's three strongest monthly sales results since 2015.
The manufacturer's dominance was largely driven by the Hilux, which recorded 485 sales in the light commercial vehicle segment. The model alone represented nearly one in every three new vehicles sold in Namibia during June.
Simonis Storm said Toyota's position remains unmatched in the domestic market, where it continues to benefit from strong demand from both consumers and businesses.
Volkswagen retained second place after rebounding to 145 sales, recovering from 81 units recorded in May.
The improvement was driven by stronger fleet and corporate purchases, with sales spread across the Amarok, Polo, Golf and Caddy ranges.
While Japanese manufacturers continue to dominate overall sales, the report points to the growing influence of Chinese brands.
Chinese manufacturers collectively sold 134 passenger vehicles during June, capturing 18.9% of the passenger vehicle market.
That represents a sharp increase from market shares of around 5% to 6% recorded only two years ago, with Simonis Storm describing the trend as evidence of a structural shift rather than a temporary surge.
It attributed the expansion to wider dealer networks, improved after-sales support and pricing that remains significantly below comparable European models.
Among the fastest-growing brands is Jetour, which sold 49 vehicles in June compared with just 10 during the same month last year.
The brand has recorded consistent monthly growth throughout 2026, underlining the rapid pace at which Chinese manufacturers are establishing themselves in Namibia.
Other Chinese brands also expanded their presence, with Haval selling 40 vehicles, Chery 21, GWM 25, while Omoda and Jaecoo continued adding volumes.
Simonis Storm noted that the breadth of Chinese brands now competing successfully suggests the market's transformation extends well beyond a single manufacturer.
German manufacturers, meanwhile, accounted for only around 7% to 8% of the market.
The report said European brands are facing increasing competitive pressure as the price difference between German vehicles and similarly specified Chinese and Japanese models continues to widen, leaving fleet and corporate customers as their most reliable source of demand.
Ford maintained its position among the leading light commercial vehicle manufacturers with 66 sales, while Mahindra continued to strengthen its presence in the mid-market utility vehicle segment with 26 units.
The commercial vehicle market also reflected growing investment activity across Namibia's mining and logistics sectors.
Scania recorded 23 extra-heavy vehicle sales, its strongest June performance on record, while Hino remained the leading Japanese heavy vehicle manufacturer.
Chinese truck manufacturers Powerstar and Shacman also continued expanding their presence in the heavy commercial market.
Simonis Storm said June's sales illustrate a vehicle market undergoing a fundamental transformation.
