- Largest single product investment in Toyota South Africa Motors' history
- Strengthening South Africa's position as a globally competitive manufacturing hub
- Accelerating localisation, supplier development and employment creation
- Investing in industrial capability, skills development and long-term growth
- Celebrating 56 Years of Hilux manufacturing excellence in South Africa
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) today marked a major milestone in South Africa's industrial and manufacturing journey with the ceremonial line-off of the ninth-generation Hilux at its Prospecton manufacturing plant in Durban.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Roots, Accelerating the Future,” the event was supported by President Cyril Ramaphosa, 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.
Hilux heritage in South Africa
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."
R10.4 billion investment impact
The investment programme includes three major infrastructure developments: a new 29,300m² Toyota Logistics Centre, a state-of-the-art Chassis Frame Coating Facility and a new Chassis Frame Welding Facility, scheduled for completion in June 2027.
Every new generation of Hilux creates an opportunity to expand South Africa’s industrial capability. To this effect, R3.2 billion of the investment was directed towards local supplier development, supporting domestic value chains and localisation objectives.
Beyond these new manufacturing facilities, Toyota has invested a further R7.2 billion in production preparation for the 9th Generation Hilux, including advanced manufacturing technologies, production equipment and supplier tooling. Furthermore, Toyota's supplier partners have also invested an additional R2 billion in their own facilities, tooling and capability development.
Representing Toyota Motor Corporation, Shinichiro Otsuka, Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Tshusho Africa Division and Regional CEO of Toyota Africa, commended TSAM for its contribution to Toyota's global manufacturing network and reiterated support: "Toyota South Africa Motors continues to demonstrate the quality, resilience and manufacturing excellence that define Toyota operations around the world. The ninth-generation Hilux programme reflects Toyota Motor Corporation's confidence in South Africa and our belief in the capability of its people. Through continued investment in technology, skills development and localisation, South Africa remains an important strategic production base for Toyota globally."
The Prospecton facility is the oldest Toyota factory outside of Japan. It remains one of South Africa's flagship manufacturing operations and produces some of the country's most trusted and loved vehicles, including the Hilux, Corolla Cross, Fortuner and Hiace. Toyota has been part of South Africa's social and economic fabric since 1961 and has maintained its position as the country's leading automotive brand for 46 consecutive years.
In his keynote address, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of continued investment in South Africa's manufacturing sector and the role of strategic partnerships between government and industry in driving economic growth, employment creation and industrial competitiveness.
“Today’s milestone celebrates not simply another model rolling o? an assembly line. It celebrates Toyota South Africa’s continued confidence in our country and in its people. The R10.4 billion investment in the new-generation Hilux programme demonstrates precisely the type of investment that South Africa seeks to attract. These world-class facilities further strengthen Prospecton’s position within Toyota’s global manufacturing network. But the true measure of this investment is not found in machinery or buildings. Its true value lies in the opportunities it creates.”
Toyota's investment extends beyond infrastructure and production. The ninth-generation Hilux programme has driven significant skills development and capability building, with scores of employees and specialists participating in global training programmes, international knowledge exchanges and leadership development initiatives. Through programmes such as the Toyota Manufacturing Academy and Future of Manufacturing initiative, the company continues to invest in developing the next generation of South African manufacturing talent.
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 generation Hilux
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."
The event live stream is available here for viewing: https://youtube.com/live/Ihjhx9VnZx0?feature=share
