Popular car brands in Sub–Saharan Africa: including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa

According to reporter, Johan Burger, he quoted: “Africa has a population of about 1.3bn people (17.5% of the world’s population), but produces only 1% of the world’s automobiles. In contrast, China, also with a population of about 1.3bn, produces almost 30%”. Notwithstanding the high population and low automobile production in Africa, and the fact that most of the cars bought and sold in Africa are used and imported. More Africans are buying vehicles than ever before and that makes it an attractive market for automobiles. Even though, it has become something of a ‘dumping ground’ for used foreign vehicles. 

But attitudes are shifting. Africans are sick of their land being perceived as a dumping ground for the world’s gas-guzzling, polluting old rust buckets. It sees itself as rich in raw materials, with a strong labour market, an increasing population and a rising, educated, tech-savvy middle class and it wants things to change. Governments are responding with many banning the import of second-hand cars, and introduction of CNG-powered vehicles.

The Nigerian Government also rolled out CNG-powered vehicles, and projects a $10bn market, On April 21, 2024, The PUNCH reported that the Presidency said it was ready to launch about 2,700 CNG-powered buses and tricycles before May 29, 2024, when President Bola Tinubu turns one year in office.

The automotive manufacturing industry in Africa is growing fast. Automotive production in Africa is growing industry as more and more manufacturers move closer to their African customers and discover the advantages of low labour costs and tax holidays, You can check the Top 10 African Automobile Manufacturing Companies And Their Owners That You’ve Probably Never Heard of. Demand for automobile spare parts in Africa is also growing. The automotive production industry in South Africa is nearly 100 years old. In the 1980s and 1990s, Nigeria achieved significant production, smaller production activities took place in Kenya, and currently, significant modern assembly is largely located in South Africa.

In this article, we’ll briefly talk about the popular car brands in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Popular Car Brands In Sub-Saharan Africa 

1. Toyota

When Akio Toyoda, the grandson of Toyota’s founder, said in 2009 that his company was committed to designing and manufacturing cars that make people happy, he meant exactly that. However, he must have forgotten to add that Toyota cars in Africa not only make people happy but also make them richer. Toyota has been manufacturing cars in South Africa since the 1970s and has adapted its technology to cope with the country’s unique set of challenges, rough terrain, warm temperatures and high altitudes. In addition, the climate and the terrain of this great continent require a car that is made for just such elements. That is why Toyota pickup trucks like the Hilux have become household names. The most popular Toyota model in Africa is arguably the Toyota Corolla series, In addition to the Corolla, the Toyota Fielder, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Camry, Toyota Crown, Toyota Wish, and more have been becoming quite popular in recent years.

2. Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Supplies innovative and exciting models across the hatchback, SUV, sedan and pickup segments in Africa. Nissan has three operational hubs and factories on the continent: Egypt in northern Africa, Nigeria and South Africa in Sub-Sahara Africa. In the 50s, Nissan began to export its vehicles to other countries, such as Kenya. The operation was successful, as the vehicles were affordable and their maintenance was easy. 

Nissan is a popular brand on the continent, with the Maxima, Altima and Murano being the most popular. The Nissan Harbody tops the list in terms of popularity as it can survive rugged terrains and dirt roads, and can carry loads, which makes it useful and sustainable in the African climate. The Murano is a popular choice being an SUV, as it can drive over challenging terrain and looks stylish and sophisticated. The SUV model is reported to be the model that is in the highest demand on the continent. Not only is the SUV a symbol of affluence and wealth, but it is also practical for driving on often poorly maintained roads in most main cities in Africa.

3. Ford

Among the companies at the forefront of transformation in Africa, Ford stands out, particularly in South Africa, where it has played an essential role for a century. Ford recognized South Africa’s strategic importance, appointing local agents in Port Elizabeth to distribute and sell Ford cars. For many years, Ford has remained at the forefront when it comes to producing top-of-the-line automobiles. Their patented designs and engineering innovations have set the bar for the industry, from the legendary F-Series to their self-driving technology. Ford cars and trucks are known for being very reliable and sturdy. They can last years with good maintenance and are some of the safer vehicles to drive. 

4. Volkswagen

The Volkswagen brand currently has three operations in the Sub-Saharan Africa region: the company has been building cars in South Africa since 1951. Vehicle assembly began in Nigeria in 2015, with assembly in Kenya getting underway in December 2016. Various Volkswagen facilities are already in operation in Africa, with factories in Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya and Nigeria churning out VWs for their local markets, and the SKD (semi-knocked-down) and CKD (completely knocked-down) kits for these and other future assembly plants will increasingly be sourced from the South African operation.

One of the things that most people look for is build quality when purchasing a vehicle. While most brands would claim their vehicles are made with the highest quality materials, Volkswagen has proven that their cars last longer. You will rarely see a Volkswagen that has deteriorated or has a weak and rusted body.

5. Isuzu

Established in 1916, Isuzu is one of the oldest brands in the Japanese automotive industry. With more than 100 years of automotive manufacturing, every Isuzu vehicle released runs on tried and tested ‘Truck DNA’, a combination of durability, reliability, and fuel efficiency developed over a century of production engineering. 

Being one of the world’s leading diesel engine and commercial vehicle manufacturers, it makes sure it provides outstanding performance with minimal stress and fuel consumption. Recognized for its outstanding combination of economy, safety, reliability, and durability, it is the best-selling light-duty truck in numerous Sub-Saharan Africa regions.

6. Mercedes Benz

The Mercedes Benz is a popular choice for motorists seeking an appeal of class and sophistication. The brand is loved for its durability, sleek design, and its association with wealth. Business Daily Africa reports that Mercedes Benz is a top seller in Kenya, having sold 53 brand-new units by June 2015. According to the Taipei Times, Mercedes Benz is also popular in South Africa, with average sales of 20,000 vehicles per year.

7. BMW 

BMW is popular for its sleek style, urban sophistication and association with wealth. BMW is the top-selling luxury vehicle in South Africa for the year 2014 for the 5^th consecutive year. According to the BMW Group, this is attributed to the steady sales of core models such as the BMW 3 Series Sedan, 1 Series hatch, X5 and X3 and to the success of newer models such as the MINI Hatch, BMW X4 and 4 Series Gran Coupé.

African brands making cars

• Innoson Motors
• Wallyscar
• Kantanka – Ghana
• The Kiira EV Smack – Uganda
• Mobius Motors – Kenya
• Nord Automobile – Nigeria
• Laraki Automobile – Morocco
• Birkin Cars (Made in South Africa)
• Saroukh El-Jamahiriya (Made in Libya)