Best February for car sales in 9-years

Namibia's vehicle market gathered momentum in February, with total sales reaching 1,165 units — up 4.1% year-on-year from 1,119 units in February 2025 and 15.9% higher than January's 1,005 units. According to a vehicle sales report produced by Simonis Storm, this represents the strongest February performance since 2016, lifting year-to-date volumes to 2,170 units, 4.1% above the corresponding period last year.

The passenger segment was the standout performer, rising to 582 units from 495 units in January — a 17.6% month-on-month gain — while the year-on-year comparison showed an equally encouraging 13.9% increase from 511 units in February 2025. Simonis Storm attributed the strength to cumulative monetary easing throughout 2025, which has gradually filtered through into lower borrowing costs and improved household affordability. Better vehicle availability and a tentative recovery in consumer sentiment have added further support, suggesting the passenger market is entering a more favourable phase.

The commercial vehicle picture was more nuanced. Monthly volumes recovered 14.3% from 510 units in January to 583 units in February, but on an annual basis sales edged down 3.8% from 606 units a year earlier. Simonis Storm described the divergence as indicative of a business sector that is "active but perhaps more measured in its capital deployment." Demand continues to be driven by logistics, mining, agriculture, and energy-related services. Looking ahead, construction activity linked to new uranium, gold, and copper mines, alongside offshore oil and gas exploration, could become a meaningful tailwind for medium and heavy commercial vehicle demand.

Within commercial sub-categories, light commercial vehicles dominated at 503 units, though this was 6.9% below February 2025 levels. Heavy commercial vehicles doubled to 18 units from 10 a year ago, while extra-heavy vehicles rose 16.7% to 35 units.

Rental companies accounted for 82 units or 7.04% of total sales, up sharply from 32 units in January, likely reflecting early fleet positioning ahead of the 2026 tourism season. The government recorded no vehicle purchases, consistent with its ongoing fiscal consolidation posture.