Which car brands and models are the best-selling in Ghana?
Aug 26,2025
In the Ghanaian market, different types of vehicles have different best-selling brands and models:
1. Used Car Market
Best-Selling Brands:
- Toyota: Approximately 33% of sales, popular models include Land Cruiser and HiAce.
- Nissan: Approximately 13% of sales, common models include X-Trail and Note.
- Kia: Approximately 7% of sales, with Hyundai gradually entering the market in recent years.
Best-Selling Models:
- Toyota Land Cruiser: Highly durable, suitable for local road conditions.
- Honda Fit: Economical and practical, with low maintenance costs.
- Nissan X-Trail: Spacious and cost-effective.

2. New Car Market
Best-Selling Brands:
- Chinese Brands: Heavy truck brands such as Beiqi Foton and China National Heavy Duty Truck dominate, while locally produced light commercial vehicles (e.g., pickups and mini trucks) have wide coverage.
- International Brands: Volkswagen, Toyota, and Nissan gradually increase market share through local assembly plants.
Best-Selling Models:
- Beiqi Foton Auman R Tractor Truck: Customized for the African market, with strong power and low fuel consumption; deliveries significantly increased in 2025.
- China National Heavy Duty Truck (HOWO) Series: Heavy trucks with a high market share, with nearly 500 units delivered annually.
- Locally Assembled Toyota and Nissan Models: Such as Toyota SUVs and Nissan pickups, leveraging local production to reduce costs.

3. New Energy Vehicle Market
Best-Selling Brands:
- Chinese Brands: New energy models from BYD, Geely, and others are entering the market, primarily used for ride-hailing and logistics.
Best-Selling Models:
- Used NEVs: Models such as BYD Han and Wuling Hongguang MINI EV, promoted through partnerships with local ride-hailing platforms.
- New Energy Logistics Vehicles: Second-hand logistics vehicles exported through collaborations between Dìshàngtiě and Future Car, catering to local logistics needs.
The Ghanaian market is dominated by used cars, with Japanese brands leading. In the new car segment, Chinese heavy trucks and light commercial vehicles are gaining ground due to their cost-effectiveness and advantages from local production. Consumer acceptance of new energy vehicles (NEVs) is gradually increasing, particularly in ride-hailing and logistics sectors, where NEVs are favored for their low operating costs and environmental benefits. The NEV market in Ghana is still in the early stages of rapid development, and with ongoing policy support and improving infrastructure, it is expected to become one of the key NEV markets in Africa.
What is the current state of the automotive market in Ghana?
The Ghanaian automotive market is dominated by used cars, with approximately 100,000 vehicles imported annually, 90% of which are second-hand, primarily from the U.S., Japan, and Germany, with the U.S. being the largest source. To reduce reliance on used cars, Ghana implemented an automotive development policy in 2019, attracting companies such as Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota, Suzuki, and Peugeot to locally assemble vehicles. Other brands, including Chery, Great Wall, MG, and Bajaj, also plan to establish a presence. Local manufacturer Kantanka assembles cars, SUVs, and military vehicles using CKD kits.
The electric vehicle (EV) market is still in its early stages. The government is promoting EV adoption through charging infrastructure development and policy incentives. In 2020, the Ministry of Energy announced plans to formulate an EV policy covering charging networks, purchase subsidies, and local manufacturing. Currently, the main EV models in the market are imported, including the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model S, and BMW i3, which are relatively expensive. The government is actively seeking partnerships with international automakers to establish EV and component manufacturing in Ghana.
What is the outlook for Ghana’s used car market?
To regulate the automotive industry, the Ghanaian government is drafting regulatory legislation and, in 2017, removed import duties on auto parts to lower costs and promote private sector growth in the spare parts industry.
The rise of e-commerce has accelerated online sales of used cars, with Toyota (33%), Nissan (13%), and Kia (7%) as the most popular brands, mainly in Accra and Kumasi. The dominance of Japanese and Korean brands is largely due to the ready availability of spare parts. Popular truck brands include DAF, MACK, SINOTRUCK, SHACMAN, FAW, and MAN. Beyond passenger cars, there is strong demand for heavy equipment such as tractors, bulldozers, and dump trucks, with continued reliance on spare parts supply and technical training.
Ghana is also emerging as a key logistics hub in West Africa, with 64% of vehicles bound for Nigeria being re-exported through Ghanaian and Togolese ports. Since November 2020, the country has banned the import of second-hand accident vehicles.
The Ghanaian automotive market remains dominated by used cars, with around 100,000 vehicle imports annually—90% of which are second-hand. New car sales are about 10,000 units per year, but growth is accelerating with the expansion of local assembly plants and supportive policies. For instance, China National Heavy Duty Truck (SINOTRUK) has increased its annual sales in Ghana from fewer than 500 units to 7,000, significantly boosting its market share and underscoring the sector’s growth potential.
What automobile manufacturing and assembly plants are there in Ghana?
Ghana has three local assembly plants, including Kantanka Automobile in Gomoa Mpota, which assembles SUVs and trucks with Chinese technical support (annual capacity: 1,500 units). In 2020, Volkswagen began local assembly in Accra. Toyota and Suzuki also announced a joint venture plant in 2019.


To attract investment, the government offers up to 10 years of tax incentives for new plants and 5 years for component production, while raising import duties to 35% and banning vehicles over 10 years old.
Chinese brands are active in Ghana: SINOTRUK delivers nearly 500 units annually, Ankai Bus serves defense transport, and products like Wuzheng agricultural vehicles, Chongqing tricycles, and Shiyan light trucks are widely used across the country.
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