Toyota South Africa Motors has committed R10.4 billion to the production of the ninth-generation Hilux.

The investment is the company’s biggest-ever product investment in South Africa.

The new Hilux is being produced at Toyota’s Prospecton plant, west of Durban.

The plant is Toyota’s oldest manufacturing facility outside Japan and already produces models including the Hilux, Fortuner, Corolla Cross, Hiace Ses’fikile and Hino trucks.

The latest investment is a major vote of confidence in South Africa’s automotive industry.

Ramaphosa welcomes investment

President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Toyota’s investment during the official line-off ceremony for the new-generation Hilux.

He said the launch was about more than a new vehicle.

Ramaphosa said it reflected confidence in South Africa and showed that efforts to create a better investment environment were starting to pay off.

The investment is expected to support production, exports and industrial capacity.

It also strengthens South Africa’s position as an important manufacturing base for Toyota.

Hilux remains key model

The Hilux remains one of Toyota’s most important vehicles in South Africa.

The new ninth-generation model is expected to continue serving both local and export markets.

Toyota’s Prospecton plant plays a major role in supplying vehicles to South Africa and other markets.

The Hilux project also supports local suppliers and workers linked to the wider automotive value chain.

Toyota South Africa Motors president and CEO Andrew Kirby said each new generation offers an opportunity to improve technology, strengthen the supplier base, deepen localisation, develop people and improve competitiveness.

Boost for auto industry

The investment comes at a time when South Africa’s vehicle manufacturing sector is under pressure from global competition, shifting demand and the transition to new-energy vehicles.

For South Africa, large manufacturing commitments remain important because they support jobs, exports and supplier development.

Toyota’s R10.4 billion commitment signals long-term confidence in local production.

It also gives the country’s automotive sector a strong boost as manufacturers weigh where to build future models.

For workers, suppliers and the broader economy, the new Hilux investment is a significant win.