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Finance · South Africa

Stronger Rand Helps Keep New Car Price Increases Low

Moneyweb · 2026/02/13

Summary

The South African rand has recently strengthened against other currencies, which is positive news for new vehicle prices in the country. Toyota, one of the leading car manufacturers, expects this currency strength to help keep price increases in check. When the rand is strong, it reduces the cost of importing parts and vehicles, which can then limit how much prices rise for consumers. This is important because vehicle prices have been rising steadily due to currency weaknesses and rising costs of materials globally. A stronger rand means that new cars might not become as expensive as previously feared, helping buyers save money or avoid large price hikes. While prices might still go up a bit, the increase is likely to be smaller, which is good news for people looking to buy new cars. This development comes at a time when many South Africans are trying to manage budgets carefully due to economic challenges. Overall, the stronger rand offers some relief for car buyers and could encourage more people to consider purchasing new vehicles.

OnABudget takeaway: A stronger rand means new cars may cost less than expected, which is good news for consumers planning to buy vehicles. Small business owners who depend on vehicles might also benefit from smaller price hikes.

Read the original article on Moneyweb