After a disappointing non appearance by Mzansi no. 1 citizen (Cup cake) at the Toyota Plant investment launch, the announcement of a R10.4 billion investment by Toyota SA Manufacturing, was the highlight of the event. With the 9th Generation Hilux continuing a run of local production of the ever popular bakkie....oh wait, it's not a Bakkie, it's a Hilux...., the KwaZulu -Natal province will continue to enjoy significant investment from Global Toyota. For the eThekwini region, this means a massive trust by the Toyota brand especially after Flooding and Looting incidents that would have hampered trust in the local plant.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Roots, Accelerating the Future,” the event was supported by President Cyril Ramaphosa (via video), Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Fumio Shimizu, Ambassador of Japan to South Africa, senior government representatives, business leaders and executives from Toyota Motor Corporation, underscoring the strategic importance of the automotive sector to South Africa's economy.
The launch of the ninth-generation Hilux is underpinned by a R10.4 billion investment, making it the largest single product investment in the history of Toyota South Africa Motors. The investment reinforces Toyota's long-term commitment to South Africa as a globally competitive automotive manufacturing hub. Additionally, it bolsters the country's position within Toyota's international production network.
For more than five decades, Hilux has been a cornerstone of South African manufacturing excellence. Since production began in Prospecton 56 years ago, more than 2.9 million Hilux vehicles have been produced, with exports reaching 74 international markets across Africa and Europe.
Today, Hilux supports an extensive industrial ecosystem, including 101 Tier One suppliers, an annual supplier spend exceeding R15 billion, nearly 27 000 jobs across the supplier network and more than 4,300 direct Hilux employees at the Prospecton plant.
Speaking at the ceremony, Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, said: "The ninth-generation Hilux is not simply the next Hilux. It is the next chapter in South African manufacturing. Every new generation presents an opportunity to elevate our technology, strengthen our supplier base, deepen localisation, develop our people and improve the competitiveness of our operations. The R10.4 billion investment reflects Toyota's enduring confidence in South Africa, its people and its manufacturing future.”
“When Toyota invests, the impact extends far beyond the vehicles we build. It boosts local suppliers, creates employment, develops skills and contributes to the growth of an entire industrial ecosystem. Every Hilux that leaves our production line carries the contribution and pride of thousands of South Africans."
Employing more than 8,500 people across its operations in South Africa and supporting thousands more through its supplier, logistics and dealer networks, Toyota remains committed to driving inclusive economic growth and contributing to South Africa's developmental priorities.
As the ninth-generation Hilux rolls off the production line, Toyota celebrates a legacy built on trust, resilience and partnership while reaffirming its commitment to a future of manufacturing excellence, innovation and sustainable growth in South Africa.
The new Hilux introduces significant advancements in design, safety, connectivity and driving performance while maintaining the toughness, durability and reliability that have made the Hilux one of South Africa's most trusted vehicles.
The new model is being introduced progressively across local and export markets through a phased rollout strategy, ensuring continuity of supply while production transitions from the current generation.
Concluding the event, Kirby emphasised the shared responsibility of industry and government to secure the future competitiveness of South Africa's automotive sector.
"The generation before us built one of Africa's greatest automotive manufacturing success stories. Our responsibility is to ensure that the generation after us inherits one that is even stronger. Today's investment is an important step towards that future."
