Japan takes the wheel in Namibia
NAMIBIA sold 1 069 Japanese vehicles in March, making it the country’s largest source of vehicles – up from 728 vehicles recorded in February. Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm Securities says the increase was driven by strong demand in both passenger and light commercial segments. “This is the strongest March outturn since 2015 and lifts […] The post Japan takes the wheel in Namibia appeared first on The Namibian.
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NAMIBIA sold 1 069 Japanese vehicles in March, making it the country’s largest source of vehicles – up from 728 vehicles recorded in February.
Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm Securities says the increase was driven by strong demand in both passenger and light commercial segments.
“This is the strongest March outturn since 2015 and lifts first-quarter volumes to 3 835 units, comfortably ahead of the 3 412 vehicles sold in 2025,” he says.
This comes as total vehicle sales rose to 1 662 units in March, a 43% increase from 1 162 units in February and 25.3% higher than the 1 326 units recorded in March 2025, marking the strongest March performance since 2015.
Japanese brands accounted for 64.3% of total sales, with Toyota alone contributing 882 units.
Jansen says China followed with 219 units, while German manufacturers recorded 212 vehicles, largely driven by Volkswagen.
The United States accounted for 85 units, while other countries contributed 38 vehicles, reflecting a broader mix of vehicle origins.
‘COMMERCIAL SURGE’
The increase was driven by the commercial vehicle segment, which rose to 916 vehicles in March from 583 units in February, a 57.1% increase and the highest level on record.
Light commercial vehicles accounted for the bulk at 797 units, with Toyota alone delivering 486 units.
Extra-heavy vehicles increased to 57 units, heavy vehicles to 33 units, and medium vehicles to 28 units.
Shacman entered the extra-heavy segment with 16 units, pointing to growing competition in the heavy truck market.
Demand was supported by activity in the logistics, mining, agriculture and energy sectors, as well as fleet purchases and delayed orders from 2025 now being fulfilled.
Passenger vehicle sales increased to 746 units from 579 units in February, reflecting a 28.8% rise.
According to a statement, rental companies purchased 193 vehicles in March, up from 82 units in February, accounting for 11.6% of total sales as the sector prepares for the peak tourism season between May and October.
Dealerships accounted for the remaining 1 469 vehicles, while the government again recorded no vehicle purchases during the month.
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