Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Ford

Also known as: Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa · Ford Ranger

Vehicle manufacturer selling passenger and commercial vehicles in Namibia, recently launching facelifted Territory SUV and limited-edition Ranger models.

2022-07-202026-10-06

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. September 2025
  2. The Namibian

    Ford announced thousands of job losses and possible retrenchments

    Source

    “Thousands of job losses and possible retrenchments were announced this week at Ford (probably caused by US tariffs and loss of Agoa benefits), Glencore-Merafe (cheap imports, high electricity prices), Arcelor-Mittal SA (cheap steel imports, high electricity prices, did not get subsidy it wanted) and Daybreak, the troubled chicken business funded by the PIC at R1.2-billion but which is in business rescue, as Lindsey Schutters reports here.”

    Eight in 10 South Africans think country’s heading in wrong direction, new survey shows
Business

Chinese vehicle brands gain market share in Namibia since 2021

The News

Chinese manufacturers grew from a minor presence to 9.1% of Namibia's new-vehicle market by 2025, selling 1,320 vehicles, but traditional brands remain dominant with Toyota leading at 8,226 sales. The shift reflects a growing competitive challenge rather than a replacement of established Japanese, German, American, and Korean brands.

23 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. Chinese vehicle brands gain market share in Namibia since 2021

    Chinese manufacturers grew from a minor presence to 9.1% of Namibia's new-vehicle market by 2025, selling 1,320 vehicles, but traditional brands remain dominant with Toyota leading at 8,226 sales. The shift reflects a growing competitive challenge rather than a replacement of established Japanese, German, American, and Korean brands.

    23 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 21 September

  1. August vehicle sales contract to 1,380 units despite year-on-year growth

    New vehicle sales in Namibia fell to 1,380 units in August from 1,535 in July, marking the first monthly contraction since May, though year-to-date sales of 10,760 units remain 12.1% higher than the same period last year—the strongest January-to-August performance since 2015. Transport division inflation reached 13.2% in August following rises in fuel prices and partial reversal of the fuel levy cut, with passenger vehicle sales declining to 634 units but commercial vehicles remaining resilient.

    21 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Toyota retains 57.5% Namibian vehicle market share in August

    Toyota sold 794 units and maintained market dominance in August 2026, with the Hilux model accounting for 347 units. Volkswagen remained second with 105 units, while Ford recorded its strongest monthly result with 88 units, and Chinese passenger brands combined for 78 units.

    21 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. Chinese bakkies gaining towing capacity to rival Toyota, Ford

    Chinese double-cab bakkies have traditionally had lower towing ratings than Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger models, but this is beginning to change. The article examines why towing capacity matters even when unused, noting that over-engineered components for towing benefit overall vehicle performance.

    16 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 24 August

  1. Vehicle sales rise 14.6% year-on-year to 1,523 units in June

    Namibian vehicle sales reached 1,523 units in June 2026, up 14.6% from 1,329 units in June 2025 and 30.4% from May's 1,168 units, marking the strongest June since 2017. First-half 2026 sales totalled 7,845 units, up 11.9% from 7,010 units in H1 2025, the strongest first half since 2018.

    24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Vehicle sales drop 11.3% month-on-month in May

    Vehicle sales fell to 1,171 units in May from 1,320 in April, a 11.3% decline, though the May figure was 14.8% higher year-on-year and the strongest May print since 2016. Year-to-date sales for the first five months of 2026 reached 6,326 units, more than 22% ahead of the same period in 2025.

    16 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Swakopmund rally sees tight finishes despite mechanical issues

    The Swakopmund national rally championship featured a close contest in the CR 3 class, with only two seconds separating first and second place as Mathys and Anja Pretorius out performed Ruan and Suelize Viviers. Most vehicles completed the rally despite technical and mechanical challenges, with Stefan Bartsch and Alexa Montagu-Freyer winning Class S1 in their first rally.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Namibian vehicle sales drop 20.6% in April despite year-to-date growth

    Namibian vehicle sales fell 20.6% month-on-month to 1,320 units in April, though cumulative four-month sales of 5,155 units remain 10.6% ahead of the same 2025 period and the strongest year-to-date showing since 2018. Simonis Storm Securities attributed the monthly pullback to the natural unwinding of March's surge driven by commercial fleet deliveries and rental activity, not a broader softening of demand.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Vehicle sales drop 20.6% in April after March surge

    Namibia's vehicle market slowed in April with total sales falling to 1,320 units from 1,662 units in March, though April sales remained 5.7% higher than April 2025. Analysts at Simonis Storm Securities attributed the decline to a natural unwinding of March's record-breaking performance, which was driven by fleet deliveries and rental sector demand, while noting the year-to-date performance remains strong at 10.6% growth.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 9 May

  1. NCC recalls Bridgestone Duravis tyres over accident risk

    The National Consumer Commission has issued a product safety recall for certain Bridgestone Duravis R660 Eco tyres fitted to Ford and Volkswagen vehicles sold in South Africa. The tyres are susceptible to cuts and moisture intrusion that can lead to tread delamination and increase the risk of accidents, particularly in rugged and wet conditions.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 April

  1. Ford Territory SUV facelifted model arrives in Namibia

    Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has confirmed that the facelifted Ford Territory will go on sale in Namibia in the coming weeks, featuring enhanced design, smart technology, and app connectivity. The new model is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine with 138kW and 318Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

    9 April 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 21 March

  1. Namibia vehicle sales hit nine-year February high at 1,165 units

    New vehicle sales in February reached 1,165 units, a 4.1% year-on-year increase, driven by robust demand in mining, agriculture, and energy sectors. Analysts expect continued strength from construction activity at new uranium, gold, copper mines and offshore oil and gas exploration.

    21 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 11 March

  1. Nedbank and Novel Motors launch partnership to serve consumers

    Nedbank Namibia and Novel Motors have formed a business partnership combining financial solutions with automotive innovation, with Nedbank serving as co-host for an event introducing Novel's new product portfolio including Chinese brands Jetour, Omoda, Jaecoo and Foton. The partnership aims to address Namibian consumer preferences for rugged 4×4 utility vehicles and reliable after-sales support in a market of around 1,130 units per month.

    11 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 March

  1. Formula One 2026 season begins with major rule changes

    Formula One's 2026 season starts in Melbourne on March 8 with sweeping changes to chassis and power units designed to increase overtaking and improve eco-sustainability, though McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari remain expected to compete for the championship. Key storylines include questions about whether Mercedes exploited a loophole for performance advantage, the rivalry between George Russell and Max Verstappen potentially reigniting if Mercedes proves competitive, and Lewis Hamilton's determination to chase an eighth world championship after a difficult 2025.

    3 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 15 February

  1. Scotland defeats England 31-20 to end 12-match unbeaten run

    Scotland revived their Six Nations campaign with a commanding 31-20 victory over England at Murrayfield, ending England's 12-match unbeaten run. Huw Jones scored two tries as Scotland built a 24-10 halftime lead, with England reduced to 14 men following Henry Arundell's red card.

    15 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 February

  1. Ford launches limited-edition Ranger with new Chill Grey colour

    Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has introduced a limited-edition Ranger XLT in an exclusive new exterior colour called Chill Grey, with production capped at 250 units. The model features upgraded interior elements including leather seating, wireless charging, and a suite of safety technologies, alongside exterior enhancements such as a sports bar and 17-inch alloy wheels.

    5 February 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 29 January

  1. New vehicle sales reach highest level since 2018

    Namibia sold 14,502 new vehicles in 2025, a 13% increase from 2024, driven by lower interest rates and stronger demand across passenger and commercial segments. December sales totalled 1,138 units, down 8.5% from November but up 3.5% year-on-year, with Toyota maintaining market dominance across all vehicle categories.

    29 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Ford — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute