Chinese vehicle brands are expanding rapidly in Namibia, gaining ground across both passenger and commercial segments as competition in the market intensifies.
Manufacturers from China sold 219 units in March 2026, accounting for 13.2% of total vehicle sales.
“What is notable is the breadth of the Chinese presence. These are no longer one or two brands nibbling at the margins, but a cohort of manufacturers establishing themselves across multiple segments simultaneously,” said Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen.
Japanese brands, however, maintained their dominance, accounting for 1,069 units or 64.3% of total sales, up from 62.6% in February.
Toyota led the market with 882 units, supported by strong demand in both passenger and light commercial segments. German brands recorded 212 units, representing a 12.8% share.
Overall, Namibia’s vehicle market recorded 1,662 units in March, a 43.0% increase from 1,162 units in February and 25.3% higher than the 1,326 units sold in March 2025. This marks the strongest March performance since 2015 and lifts first-quarter sales to 3,835 units, compared with 3,412 units in the same period last year.
Passenger vehicle sales rose to 746 units in March from 579 in February, reflecting a 28.8% month-on-month increase and a 20.3% rise year on year.
Commercial vehicles drove the growth, with volumes climbing to 916 units from 583 in February, a 57.1% increase month on month and 29.7% higher than March last year.
The segment recorded its highest level on record, supported by increased activity in logistics, mining, agriculture and energy-related services.
Jansen said the surge was likely driven by large fleet deliveries, the clearing of delayed orders from late 2025 and early-stage investment across the resources and construction pipeline.
Light commercial vehicles accounted for the bulk of sales at 797 units, up 58.4% month on month and 37.2% year on year. Extra-heavy vehicle sales rose to 57 units from 35, while heavy commercial vehicle sales increased to 33 units from 18.
Rental companies purchased 193 units, representing 11.6% of total sales, up from 82 units or 7.0% in February, as operators expand fleets ahead of the peak tourism season between May and October.
Looking ahead, vehicle demand is expected to track developments in the resource sector, infrastructure activity and the recovery in tourism, with further upside from large-scale investment projects.
Jansen said a final investment decision on the Venus offshore development, expected by August 2026, could accelerate demand for heavy vehicles as projects move into execution.
“March’s jump in commercial volumes may be an early signal of that pipeline starting to come through,” he said.
