Toyota's R10.4 Billion Hilux Investment Wins Praise From South Africa's Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed Toyota South Africa Motors' R10.4 billion investment in the production of the ninth-generation Hilux as a strong vote of confidence in the country's economy. Speaking in a virtual address during the official line-off launch of the new Hilux at Toyota's Prospecton plant in eThekwini, the President said the milestone represented far more than the launch of a new vehicle. "Today is about much more than the launch of a new vehicle. It is about confidence in South Africa. It is about the enduring value of long-term investment," he said, adding that it was also about "the strength of South African workers, engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs."

A Vehicle Built by South African Hands

Ramaphosa noted that the Hilux has been part of South Africa's industrial story for five decades and, despite carrying one of the world's most recognised automotive badges, is regarded as a South African vehicle because it is designed for local conditions, built by South African hands and exported from South African shores. The launch of the new hybrid-generation model coincided with National Science Month, which the President said highlighted the growing role of science, technology and innovation in the country's modern manufacturing base. "The R10.4 billion investment in the new-generation Hilux programme demonstrates precisely the type of investment that South Africa seeks to attract," he said.

Suppliers Add a Further R2 Billion

According to Ramaphosa, roughly one-third of Toyota's investment went toward strengthening local supplier capacity and tooling, while suppliers themselves invested an additional R2 billion to expand localisation. "That is how resilient industrial ecosystems are built. That is how domestic manufacturing capabilities deepen. That is how small and medium enterprises grow," he said, describing the ripple effect as evidence of inclusive industrial development. He pointed to South Africa's automotive sector as one of the pillars of the national economy, contributing around 5% of gross domestic product, supporting more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and over half a million jobs across the wider value chain.

Record Vehicle Volumes Through South African Ports

The President also cited logistics data to make the case that South Africa is delivering on its side of the bargain with investors. In the ten months to February this year, Transnet's vehicle terminals in Durban, Gqeberha and East London handled more than 792,000 fully built vehicles, which he described as the highest productivity levels achieved in recent years. He said government would keep strengthening public-private partnerships in rail and ports to position South Africa as a globally competitive export platform for vehicles built on its soil.

Closing his address, Ramaphosa thanked Toyota South Africa Motors, government partners, organised labour, suppliers and employees for the investment, paying particular tribute to workers at the Prospecton plant. "Every Hilux that leaves this production line carries with it your skill, your discipline, your craftsmanship, and your pride," he said, framing the new-generation Hilux as a message to the world that "South Africa is open for business" and that South Africans can compete with the best manufacturers anywhere.

Source: AllAfrica - SAnews.gov.za