If you are wondering how many car dealerships are in South Africa, the most reliable answer is that South Africa has around 1,700 to 1,800 franchised new-vehicle dealerships, with many more independent used-car dealers operating across the country.
The exact number changes as dealer groups expand, brands enter or exit the market, and independent used-car dealerships open or close. However, available industry figures show that the formal dealership network remains a major part of South Africa’s automotive industry.
The Estimated Number of Car Dealerships in South Africa
South Africa has a large and well-established vehicle retail market. According to NADA, the National Automobile Dealers’ Association, it represents 1,562 vehicle dealers, which accounts for approximately 87% of all new car retailers in South Africa. Based on that figure, the total franchised new-car dealer market can be estimated at roughly 1,795 dealerships.
Another NADA industry update also states that there are over 1,600 franchised dealers in South Africa, excluding independent used-car dealers that serve the broader pre-owned vehicle market.
This means the best practical estimate is:
South Africa has approximately 1,700 to 1,800 franchised car dealerships, plus a large number of independent used-car dealerships.
Why the Number Is Not Exact
There is no single public list that captures every car dealership in South Africa in real time. This is because the dealership market includes several different types of businesses, such as:
- New-car franchise dealerships
- Used-car dealerships
- Multi-brand dealer groups
- Independent pre-owned vehicle dealers
- Commercial vehicle dealerships
- Bakkie and fleet-focused dealers
- Online vehicle retailers
Franchised dealerships are easier to track because they are usually linked to brands, dealer groups, and industry bodies. Independent used-car dealerships are harder to count because many operate locally, change ownership, rebrand, or trade across online platforms.
Franchised Dealerships vs Independent Used-Car Dealerships
When people ask, “How many car dealerships are there in South Africa?”, the answer depends on what type of dealership they mean.
A franchised dealership is linked to a specific manufacturer or brand, such as Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Suzuki, Isuzu, Chery, Haval, or other vehicle brands. These dealerships usually sell new vehicles, approved used vehicles, parts, servicing, and manufacturer-backed warranties.
An independent used-car dealership is not tied to one specific vehicle brand. These dealers usually sell pre-owned cars from multiple brands and often focus on affordability, trade-ins, vehicle finance, and local demand.
South Africa’s franchised dealer network is estimated at around 1,700 to 1,800 outlets, while the total number of dealerships becomes much higher when independent used-car dealers are included.
Why South Africa Has So Many Car Dealerships
South Africa has one of the strongest automotive markets in Africa. The country has a large vehicle population, strong demand for used cars, and a mature finance and insurance environment.
NADA has noted that South Africa has an estimated 12 million-vehicle car park, which helps explain the size of the dealer economy and the ongoing demand for sales, servicing, repairs, and parts.
The local market is also supported by a wide range of vehicle brands. NADA has reported dealer representation across more than 55 vehicle brands in South Africa.
Where Are Most Car Dealerships Located?
Car dealerships are found across South Africa, but the highest concentration is usually in major cities and economic hubs. These include:
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Cape Town
- Durban
- Sandton
- Centurion
- Boksburg
- Vereeniging
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Gqeberha
- Bloemfontein
- Polokwane
- Nelspruit
- Pietermaritzburg
Online vehicle marketplaces also show strong dealer activity in major cities. For example, Cars.co.za lists large numbers of dealers in cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Sandton, Boksburg, Centurion, Randburg, and Roodepoort.
Are Car Dealerships Still Important in South Africa?
Yes. Car dealerships remain very important in South Africa because most buyers still want trust, vehicle finance support, trade-in assistance, warranty options, and after-sales service.
Even though online car shopping has grown, many customers still visit dealerships to inspect vehicles, test drive cars, arrange finance, and complete paperwork. This is especially true in the used-car market, where condition, mileage, service history, and dealer reputation matter.
Dealerships also play an important role in:
- New and used vehicle sales
- Vehicle finance applications
- Trade-in valuations
- Warranty and service plan support
- Parts sales
- Vehicle servicing and repairs
- Fleet and business vehicle supply
- Brand representation
The Growth of Chinese Vehicle Brands
One reason the dealership landscape keeps changing is the growth of newer brands in South Africa, especially Chinese vehicle brands. As more brands enter the market, dealership networks often expand to support sales, servicing, and parts distribution.
NADA has highlighted that the number of retailers is expected to increase as more Chinese brands enter the South African market, even though some facilities may consolidate as the customer journey becomes more digital.
So, How Many Car Dealerships Are in South Africa?
The most accurate answer is:
South Africa has around 1,700 to 1,800 franchised new-car dealerships, with many additional independent used-car dealerships operating across the country.
If independent used-car dealers are included, the total number of vehicle dealerships is significantly higher, but there is no single live public database that gives an exact national figure.
For buyers, this means there is a wide choice of dealerships across South Africa, from large franchise groups to smaller independent dealers offering affordable used vehicles.
FAQ: Car Dealerships in South Africa
How many new-car dealerships are there in South Africa?
South Africa has approximately 1,700 to 1,800 franchised new-car dealerships, based on NADA’s reported representation of 1,562 dealers, equal to about 87% of new-car retailers.
Are independent used-car dealers included in that number?
No. The 1,700 to 1,800 estimate mainly refers to franchised new-car retailers. Independent used-car dealerships are additional and make the total dealership market larger.
Which province has the most car dealerships?
Gauteng likely has the highest number of car dealerships because it includes major vehicle retail hubs such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Centurion, Boksburg, Randburg, and Roodepoort.
Why are there so many dealerships in South Africa?
South Africa has a large vehicle market, a strong used-car sector, a large national vehicle population, and many active vehicle brands. This creates demand for dealerships, finance, trade-ins, servicing, and parts.
Is the number of car dealerships growing?
The market changes regularly. Some dealership groups consolidate, while new vehicle brands, especially from China, continue to expand their dealer networks in South Africa.