BY Mabuyane Mabuza
Toyota Hilux and Fortuner Hybrid models will soon be on South African roads. The Hilux Hybrid made an appearance at the annual Toyota State of the Motor Industry held at Kyalami racetrack last week.
Toyota SA CEO, Andrew Kirby, has predicted a minimal growth of the motor industry this year with the number of units increasing slightly to 540 000 from 532 098 sold last year. While this number looks small, it reflects the green shoots taking place within the South African motor industry.
According to Kirby the big winners were India and China, with India accounting for 42% of all the passenger cars sold in this country. This is up from 28% in 2022. China has also experienced a big growth spurt – going from a 3% share of the imported market to 9%. There has also been a corresponding rise in the number of models from these countries – India going from 34 models to 44 and China upping its model quota from 10 to 15.
In line with global trends, South Africa experienced heightened demand for New Energy Vehicles with a 65% volume increase in 2023. However, this is off a relatively small base – total number of NEVs sold totalled 7,693. As expected, by far the biggest volume contributors coming from hybrid variants at 84%.
The new Land Cruiser 70 will be launched before the end of February while the Hilux hybrid is expected to launch in March this year. The new Land Cruiser Prado launch is expected to take place in April. The highlight of the pack is undoubtedly the Hilux GR S III
Kirby has outlined growth predictions that indicate a steady rise in the automotive sector. With increasing investments in technological advancements and sustainability initiatives, the industry is poised for significant expansion in the coming years. Toyota’s commitment to innovation and eco-friendly practices aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainability, reflecting a shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles. The company’s strategic focus on these areas not only demonstrates a forward-looking approach but also signals the potential for substantial growth within the South African automotive market. This customer-centric approach, coupled with an increasingly robust Toyota’s optimistic growth predictions point towards a buoyant and evolving South African motor industry, characterized by innovation, sustainability, and a heightened focus on customer satisfaction.
New Models Revealed:
Land Cruiser 70 Series
– Classic facelift (single cab, double cab and station wagon)
– 2.8 GD-6 powerplant
– New 6-speed auto (LC first)
– Updated cabin with new infotainment system
Land Cruiser Prado
– Modular design – easy to replace parts if damaged off-roading
– LC 300 platform
– 2.8 GD-6 engine
– 8-speed auto
– Debuts with First Edition then followed by TX and VX-R
Toyota Hilux 48V
– 48 volt mild-hybrid electric package
– Adds 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque through the motor generator to the engine
– Available on all Hilux 2.8 Auto Raider and Legend models as well as Fortuner 2,8
Hilux GR S III
– Face is ‘grafted’ from the iconic Tundra with customised Dakar-bred styling
– “Wide-Tread” body i.e. wider than normal Hilux
– Bespoke GR Interior
– Performance boost over regular Hilux 2.8 – power 165kW & torque 550Nm
