Few vehicles have shaped South Africa’s automotive industry like the Toyota Hilux. Now, Toyota South Africa Motors has reinforced that legacy with a R10.4 billion investment in its Prospecton manufacturing plant. Beyond preparing for the next-generation Hilux, the investment strengthens local production, supports thousands of jobs, expands supplier development and secures South Africa’s position as a key export hub within Toyota’s global manufacturing network.
The Toyota Hilux has been one of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles for decades. This success has not come about by chance, but through decades of commitment since Toyota began building the Hilux locally 56 years ago. Over almost six decades, Toyota has produced more than 2.9 million Hilux models in South Africa.
In recent years, a further R10.4 billion has been invested in Toyota’s Prospecton manufacturing plant. The investment enables the facility to remain competitive with Toyota’s other production facilities around the world. From Prospecton, the Hilux is exported to 74 markets across Africa and Europe.
Building the Hilux requires the support of 101 suppliers, an annual procurement spend of R15 billion, and sustains around 27,000 jobs throughout the supply chain, in addition to Toyota’s own workforce of 4,300 employees.
The R10.4 billion investment includes the construction of a brand-new 29,300 m² logistics centre, a state-of-the-art chassis corrosion protection facility, and a new frame welding facility scheduled for completion in June 2027.
The transformation of Toyota’s Prospecton plant, the oldest Toyota factory outside Japan, has been remarkable. Despite civil unrest and devastating floods in recent years, the facility is in better condition than ever. It currently manufactures the Hilux, Fortuner, Corolla Cross and Hiace Ses’fikile minibus taxi.
The significance of the Hilux extends far beyond its position as South Africa’s best-selling bakkie. It has become one of the country’s most important industrial products, underpinning an extensive manufacturing ecosystem and reinforcing the automotive sector’s contribution to the national economy. The latest investment is Toyota South Africa Motors’ largest ever for a single product programme and further strengthens Prospecton’s role within Toyota’s global production network. A substantial portion of the investment has been directed towards localisation, supplier development and advanced manufacturing technologies, ensuring the Durban facility remains internationally competitive while supporting long-term economic growth, skills development and export performance.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
“The ninth-generation Hilux is not simply the next Hilux,” said Andrew Kirby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota South Africa Motors, during the launch event.
“It represents the next chapter in South Africa’s manufacturing story. Every new generation gives us the opportunity to advance our technology, strengthen our supplier network, increase local content, develop our people and improve the competitiveness of our operations. This R10.4 billion investment reflects Toyota’s continued confidence in South Africa, its people, and the future of manufacturing in the country.”
Report by BRENDON STANIFORTH | Images © BRENDON STANIFORTH / TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICA MOTORS
