Vehicle manufacturer maintaining market dominance in Namibia; faced criticism over a cemetery advertisement's tagline and safety standards on the Corolla Cross model.
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Windhoek Observer
Toyota accounted for 638 units, 54.5% of total national sales in May
“Toyota extended its position as the single most consequential brand in any emerging-market vehicle data series, accounting for 638 units across passenger, LCV and medium commercial equivalent to 54.5% of total national sales in a single month.”
Car sales contract by 11.3% in MayThe Namibian
Toyota accounted for 753 units across passenger, light commercial and medium commercial vehicles
“Toyota alone accounted for 753 units across passenger, light commercial vehicles and medium commercial vehicles, equivalent to 57% of the total Namibian market in a single month.”
Vehicle sales drop as dealer activity coolsWindhoek Observer
Toyota sold 753 vehicles across passenger and commercial categories
“Japanese manufacturers remained dominant with around 64% market share, largely driven by Toyota, which sold 753 vehicles across passenger and commercial categories.”
Vehicle market cools after March surgeThe Namibian
Toyota contributed 882 units of total sales in March
“Japanese brands accounted for 64.3% of total sales, with Toyota alone contributing 882 units.”
Japan takes the wheel in NamibiaThe Namibian
Toyota Namibia placed an advert with the tagline 'Here. For life' on a cemetery wall for more than two weeks
“The advert, meant to generate traction to the motor brand, has been at the cemetery for more than two weeks.”
Keetmans residents decry Toyota ‘Here. For life’ advert at cemeteryThe Namibian
Toyota Namibia donated building materials for two 3×3 metre blocks for the wall
“The manager says Toyota donated building materials for two 3×3 metre blocks but did not disclose the cost.”
Keetmans residents decry Toyota ‘Here. For life’ advert at cemeteryThe Namibian
Toyota sold 622 units in February
“Toyota remains the undisputed market leader at 622 units, with the Hilux continuing to anchor fleet demand across agriculture, mining, and logistics.”
Mining, agriculture drive new vehicle sales in FebruaryNew Era
Toyota Corolla Cross received a two-star rating for adult occupant protection from Global NCAP
“The Automobile Association (AA) has expressed concern following the latest #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign crash test results from Global NCAP, which reveal that the Toyota Corolla Cross has received a two-star rating for adult occupant protection, due to the absence of standard side head protection.”
Africa deserves the same level of safety as rest of world – AAThe Namibian
Toyota accounted for more than half of new passenger vehicles sold in 2025
“By year-end, Toyota accounted for more than half of the new passenger vehicle sold during 2025, underscoring its dominant position in the segment.”
December new vehicle sales firm despite slight dipThe Namibian
Toyota sponsored vehicle transporting goats with slogan 'Feeding the Region'
“The goats, the fund says, were transported in a vehicle sponsored by Toyota, with the slogan 'Feeding the Region' on it.”
Cheetah conservation leads Omaheke food security projectVehicle 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 →
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 →
A custom-built Mahindra S6 4×4 camper showcased at Windhoek's kykNET Outdoor Expo uses up to 50% less fuel than well-known brands, averaging 8.5km/l, while offering features like reverse cameras and air conditioning that appeal to overlanding enthusiasts facing rising fuel costs.
20 May 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
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 →
Namibia sold 1,069 Japanese vehicles in March, making Japan the country's largest vehicle source and driving total March sales to 1,662 units—a 43% monthly increase and the strongest March performance since 2015. Japanese brands accounted for 64.3% of total sales, with commercial vehicle purchases surging 57.1% to a record 916 units, supported by demand from logistics, mining, agriculture, and energy sectors.
21 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Some Keetmanshoop residents have criticised a Toyota Namibia advertisement on a cemetery wall, saying its "Here. For life" tagline is insensitive to families with loved ones buried there. Toyota says it donated the wall in exchange for a year of advertising and that the tagline, introduced before the cemetery opportunity arose, is meant to reflect the durability of its products rather than comment on human life.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
Chinese automaker LDV has introduced two new vehicles to the Namibian market: the Terron 9 double-cab bakkie starting at N$849,000 with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and advanced safety features, and the D90 SUV priced around N$899,000 with a 160kW turbo-diesel engine, both aimed at competing with established players in their respective segments.
5 February 2026 · New Era →
The Automobile Association has expressed concern over Global NCAP crash test results showing the Toyota Corolla Cross sold in Africa received a two-star rating for adult occupant protection due to the absence of standard side head protection, despite being manufactured locally in South Africa. The AA argues that African consumers deserve the same vehicle safety standards applied in other international markets and is calling for stronger regulatory standards and manufacturer accountability across the continent.
29 January 2026 · New Era →
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 →
Hyundai has officially released the all-new Santa Fe 2026 as a hybrid electric vehicle in Namibia, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, a redesigned boxier exterior, a curved panoramic display, and seven-seat capacity. The vehicle retails at approximately N$1 249 900 and positions itself as a competitor to established large-SUV models including the Toyota Land Cruiser and Kia Sorento.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Electric vehicle sales in Germany rebounded strongly in 2025, rising 43.2% to over 545,000 vehicles and representing 19.1% of new car sales, with Chinese manufacturer BYD more than tripling its market share. In contrast, US automakers including General Motors, Honda, and Nissan reported declining fourth-quarter sales, with EV transactions falling sharply after a federal tax credit expired in September.
8 January 2026 · New Era →