Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is nearing completion of its 10.4 billion rand ($634 million) investment programme aimed at producing the next-generation Hilux pickup truck, reinforcing South Africa’s position as one of Toyota’s most important manufacturing hubs outside Japan.
The company has completed more than 77% of the investment and begun pilot production at its Durban manufacturing plant, a significant step toward the project’s expected completion in June 2027.
The investment focuses on transforming Toyota’s production capabilities through factory upgrades, a new logistics centre for imported parts, advanced robotics, modern manufacturing equipment, and the development of a new chassis-welding facility.
Toyota says these improvements will help increase efficiency, strengthen production quality, and prepare the Durban plant for the next generation of vehicle manufacturing. The company is also introducing advanced technologies to ensure the facility remains competitive in the rapidly changing global automotive industry.
As production reaches full capacity, Toyota expects the plant to manufacture around 140,000 Hilux units annually, supplying both the domestic market and export destinations across Europe and Africa.
Toyota South Africa Motors CEO Andrew Kirby said the investment demonstrates Toyota Motor Corporation’s continued confidence in South Africa’s automotive sector and its potential to maintain a strong position in global vehicle production, amid challenges affecting the worldwide automotive industry, according to Business Insider Africa.
The project comes at a time when automotive manufacturers are investing in modern technologies and cleaner production methods to respond to changing market demands and stricter environmental standards worldwide.
Beyond vehicle production, Toyota’s investment is expected to create economic opportunities by supporting local suppliers, strengthening industrial skills, and contributing to job creation across South Africa’s automotive value chain.
Africa’s growing role in global manufacturing is set to be strengthened as Toyota’s Durban facility prepares to produce the new-generation Hilux, supporting industrial development and expanding its position in the global automotive value chain.
