Chinese and Chinese-linked vehicle manufacturers increased their share of Namibia’s vehicle market to 16.5% in April 2026, as total national vehicle sales reached 1,320 units, according to Simonis Storm Research.
The research firm said Chinese brands sold 218 units during the month, up from a market share of 13.2% in March, with growth recorded across passenger, light commercial, medium commercial and heavy vehicle segments.
“The most consequential development in April was a clear breakthrough in Chinese brand penetration. Chinese and Chinese-linked manufacturers collectively sold 218 units, lifting their share to 16.5% from 13.2% in March,” Simonis Storm said.
Jetour recorded 43 passenger vehicle sales during the month, while Haval sold 38 units and JAC delivered 24 units across light and medium commercial categories.
Other contributing brands included Shacman, Chery, FAW, Powerstar, Foton and Omoda.
“This is no longer a fringe phenomenon. The Chinese brand share is, in our view, on a credible glide path towards 20% by year-end,” the firm said.
Japanese manufacturers retained market dominance with an estimated 64% share, led by Toyota, which accounted for 753 units across passenger and commercial categories in April.
Total vehicle sales declined by 20.6% from March’s 1,662 units but remained 5.7% higher than the levels recorded in April 2025.
Simonis Storm attributed the monthly decline to the unwinding of strong fleet and rental vehicle deliveries recorded in March.
“April’s print reflects the natural unwinding of that surge rather than a softening of the underlying demand impulse,” the firm said.
Commercial vehicle demand remained firm, with 757 units sold across light, medium, heavy and extra-heavy categories, representing a 31% increase compared to April 2025.
Passenger vehicle sales fell to 558 units in April, down from elevated March levels, although the firm said the decline did not indicate weakening household demand.
German manufacturers recorded the sharpest monthly correction, with combined sales declining to 126 units from 212 units in March, while Volkswagen passenger vehicle sales fell to 71 units.
“The retail value gap relative to comparably equipped Chinese and Japanese products continues to widen,” Simonis Storm said.
Looking ahead, the firm expects passenger vehicle sales to remain between 550 and 700 units over the next two quarters as higher interest rates and fuel-related inflation pressures continue to weigh on consumer demand.
