On a day where the SA Reserve Bank increased interest rates, Toyota SA President and CEO, Mr Andrew Kirby is bullish about the market. He predicts a total of 570 000 vehicles will be sold in South Africa this year – including 375 642 for Passenger, 161 317 for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) and 33 041 for others. “We got to this calculation based on how we see the market, coupled with what we can physically supply as Toyota. I must just stress that if stock constraints weren’t a real factor, we would actually be forecasting a 580 000 market.” Last year, Kirby had forecasted a total of 540 000 vehicles to be sold in South Africa in 2022. However, a totally unexpected challenge came in the form of the floods in April which resulted in the complete cessation of production for three months at Toyota’s Prospecton Plant in Durban. This coupled with the now well-publicised shipping delays at the Durban port really impacted Toyota’s ability to reach its targets and so by extension, this had a ripple effect on the whole industry. A total of 528 963 units sold was recorded in 2022.
Simon Humphries, Head of Toyota and Lexus Global Design, says the automotive industry has literally spent the last 100 years following a tried and tested formula but right now we are undergoing an unpreceded period of upheaval. Where we used to have only one powertrain, now we have five; where we used to be isolated, now we are connected; where ownership was dominated by privately owned cars, now sharing is finding a foothold. Driving used to be all about the driver, but now we are increasingly supported in the operation of the vehicle, and where there was only steel, now materials and production technologies make it possible to create almost anything that we can imagine. Put very bluntly, just about every factor that influences design is undergoing a paradigm shift…
In a market drunk with EV models, Toyota believes that hybrid technology still has an important role to play in this carbon journey. Data just released by Toyota has shown that three Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) equal one BEV in CO2 reduction. Locally, Toyota has confirmed that its 2022 product roll-out strategy requires that by 2025, at least 20% of vehicles sold in South Africa would be New Energy Vehicles.
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM Leon Theron is pleased that Toyota is still South Africa’s favourite brand in the six decades it’s been operating in the local motoring industry. Posting the company's 43rd straight year as the market leader, Toyota (including the Lexus and Hino brands) outperformed a number of retail challenges to achieve a laudable total of 132 035 new-vehicle registrations. This translates to a market share of 24.9% for 2022.
From a new product perspective, Theron also introduced the following models to the audience:
Toyota Mirai: “This is the company’s flagship hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicle which is not available at our dealers yet. However, showcasing the FCEV Mirai on African soil allows TSAM to undertake local research and include other relevant players in this field, while at the same time helping government to see the potential of a Green Hydrogen Society…TSAM’s ongoing collaboration with Sasol for example on Green Hydrogen will take a step forward, now that we have these FCEVs in our hands, but we will elaborate on this at future events.”
LEXUS UX BEV: “Once we’re ready for BEV roll-out, this will be one of the first models in our battery-electric portfolio. So, with this mind and to ensure we are fully prepared once BEVs go to market, the UX BEV puts out 150kW which translates to a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7,5 secs. It boasts a potential range of 450km.”
LEXUS NX PHEV: “These models will become more mainstream over the next transitional period. Key numbers for this one are: 60km range in full electric mode, and this one dispatches the zero to 100 in 6,2 secs.”
LEXUS RX: “The new generation RX range comprises five models including Hybrid and a petrol variant. The model we’re showing here today is the Plug-In Hybrid which will only join the local line-up later.”
Toyota Crown: “This all-new model sedan is only available as a sample introduction until a few units retail this year. Under the bonnet, the Crown 2.5 E-Four Hybrid boasts a total system output of 176kW and fuel consumption of 4.4l/100km.”
TOYOTA FORTUNER: “The refreshed Fortuner sports an aggressive new styling with revised LED headlamps, front grille and bumper treatment. There is also an added red and black interior trim option.”
TOYOTA VITZ: “The Vitz takes over the mantle from the outgoing Agya which has already established our presence in the A segment. It will be in showrooms during the second quarter of this year.”
TOYOTA URBAN CRUISER: “Built in Toyota’s plant in India, this model boasts an all-new SUV design, a larger body with more space, increased safety specification, climate control, cruise control and reverse camera. The all-new Urban Cruiser will also go to market during the second quarter.”
The last item of the SOMI prorgramme was, of course, the announcement of this year’s GR Cup Competition driver lineup. This initiative sees six local journalists battling it out on various racetracks in SA, all piloting the fabled Toyota GR 86. They include Brendon Staniforth, Denis Droppa, Setshaba Mashigo, Chad Luckhoff, Mark Jones and Reuben van Niekerk. Their first race kicks off at Zwartkops Raceway on 18 February.