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2020 Overall Africa Region Auto Industry Sales Figures

Country-level sales figures for total passenger cars in Africa

Africa Passenger Car Sales for 2020

In 2020, the African automotive market faced significant challenges due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Economic disruptions, lockdown measures, and reduced consumer spending impacted car sales across the continent. South Africa, the largest car market in Africa, experienced a significant decline in car sales in 2020. The country implemented strict lockdown measures to control the spread of COVID-19, resulting in factory closures, restricted movement, and reduced consumer demand. Car sales plummeted, and the automotive industry faced substantial challenges. Countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria also saw a decline in car sales due to the pandemic’s impact. Lockdown measures and reduced consumer spending led to a sharp drop in car sales across these countries. Egypt’s automotive industry faced challenges, and Morocco’s efforts to attract foreign investment in its automotive sector were hindered. Algeria’s car sales were severely impacted by economic factors and reduced purchasing power.

In Nigeria, car sales also witnessed a significant decline in 2020. The country implemented lockdown measures and faced economic challenges due to the pandemic and declining oil prices. These factors contributed to reduced consumer spending and a decline in car sales. The market for imported used cars (Tokunbo cars) was also affected. Car sales in other sub-Saharan African countries were also heavily impacted by the pandemic. Economic disruptions, reduced consumer spending, and lockdown measures led to a decline in car sales across the region.

The indicator estimates the number of new passenger car registrations and sales that took place within a country in a year. Passenger cars are road motor vehicles, other than a motor cycle, intended for the carriage of passengers and designed to seat no more than nine persons (including the driver).

List of African Countries by Motor Vehicle Production for 2020

The average for 2020 based on 3 African area countries was 177,470 new passenger cars sold. The highest value was in South Africa: 247,571 passenger cars and the lowest value was in Morocco: 117,046 passenger cars. Total Africa region passenger car sales hit 532,409 units produced.

  • Total Car Sales for 2020: 532,409 – for all of Africa
  • Top Ranked Country Sales: 247,571 – South Africa
  • Lowest Ranked Country Sales: 117,046 – Morocco
  • Average Country Sales: 177,469.7
  • Number of Countries in Analysis: 3

It’s important to note that specific sales figures and rankings may vary slightly depending on the source, as data can differ between different market research firms and organizations. For this analysis, we have used OICA data.

Countries Sales Units Rank Growth
South Africa 247,571 1 -30.34
Egypt 167,792 2 31.66
Morocco 117,046 3 -21.10

2020 Africa Region Passenger Car Sales Chart

This visual tree-chart shows the relative size of the African car market and how each country fairs in terms of market share size.

Top Africa Car Markets Ranked for 2020

Source: OICA