- Toyota <a href="https://usglobalxpress.com/thomson-wilks-swipes-cms-south-africa-finance-specialist-african-law-business/” title=”Thomson Wilks swipes CMS South Africa finance specialist – African Law & Business”>South Africa Motors has completed over 77% of its 10.4 billion rand investment for next-generation Hilux production.
- Pilot production has started at the Durban plant, with full project completion expected by June 2027.
- The investment covers factory upgrades, a new logistics centre, advanced robotics, and a new chassis welding facility.
- Once ramped up, production will reach about 140,000 Hilux units annually for local and international markets.
Toyota South Africa Motors has completed more than 77% of its 10.4 billion rand ($634 million) investment programme to manufacture the next-generation Hilux pickup truck, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Toyota’s most important production hubs outside Japan
The automaker also announced the start of pilot production at its Durban manufacturing plant, marking a major milestone in a project expected to be completed by June 2027, Reuters reported
The company’s Chief Executive Andrew Kirby said the investment demonstrates Toyota Motor Corporation’s confidence in South Africa despite growing challenges facing the global automotive industry
The investment includes 3.2 billion rand for factory upgrades, including a new logistics centre for imported parts and a chassis treatment and coating facility. Another 7.2 billion rand has gone into preparing production of the new-generation Hilux through advanced robotics, manufacturing equipment and supplier tooling
Toyota is also constructing a new chassis frame welding facility featuring advanced welding technologies, with completion scheduled for June 2027
Once production fully ramps up, the company expects to manufacture around 140,000 Hilux units annually, supplying both the domestic market and export destinations across Europe and Africa
The investment comes as global automakers race to modernise production in response to stricter emissions regulations and rapidly changing consumer expectations
European environmental standards are pushing South African vehicle manufacturers to upgrade factories with cleaner technologies, while Chinese brands such as GWM and Chery continue expanding aggressively across Africa’s largest automotive market
Toyota’s latest Hilux introduces upgraded driver-assistance features and enhanced safety technologies as competition in the pickup segment intensifies
Toyota’s investment adds to a broader wave of automotive investment flowing into South Africa, which remains Africa’s largest vehicle manufacturing hub and a key exporter to Europe
Business Insider Africa has previously reported on the country’s efforts to attract fresh industrial investment as manufacturers reposition supply chains and expand local production
With the next-generation Hilux set to become one of Toyota’s flagship export models, the Durban facility is expected to strengthen South Africa’s role in the global automotive value chain while supporting thousands of jobs across manufacturing and component suppliers