Namibian motorists continue to show a strong preference for Japanese and German-made vehicles, with Japanese brands leading the pack in April, according to the latest market dynamics and trends report by Simonis Storm.
Japanese vehicles accounted for 772 units, making up 62.1% of total vehicle sales for the month.
Within this segment, Toyota remained the top-selling brand, contributing 683 units and capturing 54.9% of the market.
“Toyota’s sustained success reflects its reputation for reliability, affordability, and long-term value,” says Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen.
Chinese brands secured second place with 122 units sold, translating to a 9.8% market share.
Notably, Haval sold 31 units, maintaining a 4% share that it has consistently held since 2021.
New entrants such as Jaecoo (4 units), Omoda (7 units), and Jetour (7 units) are also beginning to make their presence felt.
These brands are benefitting from attractive pricing, modern styling, and increasing support in after-sales service, enabling them to steadily grow their footprint across the country.
American manufacturers followed with 66 units sold (5.3%), mainly buoyed by demand for Ford models. South Korean brands remained steady with 49 units sold (3.9%), catering largely to value-conscious buyers.
In contrast, German brands, once synonymous with luxury and performance in Namibia, slipped to last place, selling just 33 units, or 2.65% of the market.
While manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz continue to be associated with high-quality engineering, rising concerns about affordability are impacting their competitiveness.
Jansen says the trend reveals a deeper shift in consumer behaviour.
“Namibia’s passenger vehicle landscape reflects a broader shift in consumer priorities where affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality are beginning to outweigh traditional preferences for prestige and performance,” he says.
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