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Toyota invests R10.4 billion in KZN Manufacturing Plant, following 9th Generation Hilux Launch

By: Dylan Naidoo


A recent press release by Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) confirms the automaker’s R10.4 billion investment at their Prospecton manufacturing plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This investment follows the brand’s launch of the 9th generation Toyota Hilux, which will be built at this plant.

 

This investment is crucial for Toyota. Not only does this mark Toyota’s largest investment in the South African market by far but also highlights the brand’s commitment to this market. For years, Toyota has been a national leader in automotive sales. The Toyota Hilux especially remains not only the country’s best-selling bakkie, but also the best-selling car, according to Ryan Bubear from Car.co.za for June 2026. Not only this, but the South African built Hilux remains a crucial export for South Africa, exported to 74 different countries across Europe and Africa.

 

According to Toyota, “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.” Since the opening of the Prospecton Plant in Durban, the plant has manufactured over 2.9 million Hilux’s alone. The Hilux has also shown to provide extensive job creation, with 4300 direct Hilux employees at the Prospecton plant. Essentially, the Toyota Hilux does not just represent Toyota, it represents South Africa as a global automotive manufacturer.

 

At the ceremony announcing the 9th generation Hilux, TSAM CEO Andrew Kirby said the following: “"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."

 

The Investment Programme

This R10.4 billion investment by TSAM is expected to be utilised in three areas of the Prospecton plant. These include 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. As an automotive staple for Toyota at this point, the brand remains committed to their brand image of reliability and durability by, once again, sticking to their tried and tested IMV layout for the 9th generation Hilux. This platform has proven to provide exceptional reliability and long-term durability demonstrated by previous Hilux models, according to Ryan Bubear from Car.co.za.

 

R3.2 billion of the investment has been directed to the local supplier development, as well as supporting localisation objectives. Toyota will also invest a further R7.2 billion into the 9th generation Hilux alone, which will be utilised for manufacturing equipment and supplier tooling.

 

Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Tshusho Africa Division and Regional CEO of Toyota Africa, Shinichiro Otsuka, praised TSAM for their demonstration of quality, resilience and manufacturing excellence that defines the Toyota brand identity around the world. He further emphasised that the 9th generation Hilux reflects the Toyota Motor Corporation’s confidence in choosing South Africa as the global supplier, believing in the capability of their people.

 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, commented on the 9th generation Hilux launch: “Today’s milestone celebrates not simply another model rolling off 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.”

 

With rising competition from both locally built trucks as well as Chinese competitors, it goes without saying that Toyota’s continuous commitment to the South African market is essential for the Hilux. A proudly South African bakkie, the Hilux is a staple to not just South African motoring, but also South African culture. Both the commercial and passenger automotive sector alike have chosen the Hilux to be the de facto bakkie to get things done in South Africa.

 

 

The Livestream to the 9th generation launch ceremony can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Ihjhx9VnZx0 



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