Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) hosted the seventh instalment of the popular State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event at Kyalami.
TSAM’s President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, used the event to sketch the true state of the motor industry from the unique vantage point of SA’s most popular automotive brand. Citing monetary and structural challenges such as an elevated repo rate (8,5% in 2023), depreciating Rand (13% down on the dollar last year), a record-breaking 332 days with load shedding, and up to a five-week backlog at the country’s ports, Kirby made clear that this negatively impacted GDP and therefore concomitantly business confidence as well.
This was reflected in the automotive sales for the year – the first quarter started off really positively and the industry was on track to achieve the 570,000 prediction made by Toyota at last year’s SOMI. However, sales started to stagnate, especially after the second half of the year and this means that the final tally for the year was 532,098 – just 0,5% up on 22’s numbers.
Toyota bucked the negative retail trend by ending off the year on 142,612 units, which was not only the highest volume sold since 2007, it also equated to the company’s best market share on record. Toyota has been the bestselling automotive brand in South Africa for 44 years, it’s also the only manufacturer with representation in just about all segments of the new vehicle market.
In line with global trends, South Africa experienced heightened demand for New Energy Vehicles with a 65% volume increase in 2023, but this is off a relatively small base – total number of NEVs sold totalled 7,693. As expected, by far the biggest volume contributors coming from hybrid variants (84%).
Mr Leon Theron - Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing also showcased upcoming models and Toyota's Motorsport programs. Herein below are the highlights:
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Launching April 2024
- Square silhouette
- Modular design – easy to replace parts if damaged off-roading
- LC 300 platform
- 2.8 GD-6 engine
- 8-speed auto
- Debuts with First Edition then followed by TX and VX-R
Toyota Hilux GR-S
Launching March 2024
- Face is ‘grafted’ from the iconic Tundra with customised Dakar-bred styling
- “Wide-Tread” body i.e. wider than normal Hilux
- Bespoke GR Interior
- Performance boost over regular Hilux 2.8 - power 165kW & torque 550Nm
- Ultimate off-roader & polished on-road dynamics
Toyota Hilux 48V
- Launching March 2024
- 48 volt mild-hybrid electric package
- Adds 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque through the motor generator to the engine
- Regenerative Braking
- Advanced Stop/Start
- Idle Speed reduced to 600rpm (good for off-roading)
- Improved acceleration and fuel efficiency (+5%)
- Available on all Hilux 2.8 Auto Raider and Legend models as well as Fortuner 2,8
Land Cruiser 70 Series
- Launching February 2024
- Classic facelift (single cab, double cab and station wagon)
- 2.8 GD-6 powerplant
- New 6-speed auto (LC first)
- Updated cabin with new infotainment system
Hino 300 Series Hybrid
- Launching November 2024
- 4-litre Common-Rail Turbo (Euro6 with Diesel Particulate Reduction and Selective Catalytic Reduction)
- Combined output – 110kW & 470Nm
- Electric motor directly coupled to 6-speed auto box
- Utilises regenerative braking and advanced stop/start
- Advanced safety includes Pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure warning system (LDWS) & cruise control
Toyota bZ4X
Launching ’25 – either this model or related model in BZ family (Beyond Zero)
- 1st BEV from Toyota
- Based on Toyota’s eTNGA platform, a dedicated BEV platform
- Striking styling, with lots of angles, features unusual dark contrast fenders for visual drama
- Available internationally in FWD and Dual-Motor AWD (specs still TBC)
- 400km range for most economical model
- Fun to drive as only a true carmaker can
Lexus RZ
- Launching Lexus RZ early in 2025
- 1st bespoke BEV from Lexus on eTNGA platform
- Offered exclusively with dual-motor AWD
- Brisk performer offering 150kW to front wheels and 80kW to rear
- Lexus pioneered advanced Steer by Wire tech (available either at launch or shortly thereafter)
- Range between 375 & 450km