News Post

Queen Group

Toyota SA Invests R6,1 Billion To Build New Hilux And Fortuner Locally

  • 24 May 2016

Toyota, today announced that it has invested over R6,1 billion to facilitate production of the all-new Hilux and Fortuner at its Prospecton plant in Durban.

This reaffirms Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM) position as the largest automaker in South Africa, manufacturing no fewer than five individual models (Hilux, Fortuner, Corolla, Corolla Quest and Quantum) in CKD or complete-knock-down form, as well as selected Hino and Dyna models produced as SKD or semi-knocked-down assemblies.

“This latest announcement gives evidence of a company that is defiantly committed to South Africa by strategically investing in the people, tools and equipment to produce cars and commercial vehicles of world-class standard that are not only destined for the domestic market, but will also fly our flag high on the international stage thanks to a robust export plan.

“But it is in fact more than that – it’s also a celebration of the pivotal role that both Hilux and Fortuner play in the overall development of the South African motor industry,” TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby said at Toyota’s Prospecton Plant.

Dr Johan van Zyl, Chairman of Toyota South Africa and Chief managing Officer of Toyota Motors Europe echoed Kirby’s sentiments, adding that, “the TSAM of today is vastly different to the same company only 10 years ago. This is all due to an ability to change with the times and I am glad to say that as we have changed, we have become better and more focussed to the benefit of our customers.”

Van Zyl did however reiterate the importance of stability on the production line: “Although we are justifiably proud of the achievements of the motor industry in growing production and especially exports post-1994, we must remember that South Africa currently produces less than 1% of the 90-million vehicles made worldwide each year.

“We have to remain world competitive not only in terms of wages and productivity, but also regarding labour stability. I cannot stress enough the importance of engagement – engage, engage and engage again – the need to employ dispute resolution as the first and ultimately only line of defense rather than resorting to strike action as the solution.

“Nevertheless I am confident that a fair and equitable labour agreement can be reached and rest assured, that no matter what, Toyota will do its utmost to continue to put its customers and South Africa first.”

55 Years of Continuous Investment

Toyota’s heritage in South Africa spans more than 55 years and the company has been the beneficiary of ongoing investment since its manufacturing inception in 1972 when

This latest announcement represents the biggest single investment Toyota has made to date.


www.toyota.co.za


scroll up

Where Are We?

Queen Group has its headquarters in Queenstown (Lukhanje) and branches throughout the Eastern Cape.
The map below shows where our offices and branches are located.


Map