Latest news with #AndrewKirby
IOL News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Toyota reaffirms commitment to Durban as partnership with eThekwini strengthens
Echoing the commitment to collaboration, TSAM President Andrew Kirby reiterated the company's dedication to being an integral part of Durban's economic future. Image: Supplied Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to long-term investment in Durban and the broader KwaZulu-Natal region. This affirmation emerged during a high-level engagement between eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, and TSAM President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, aimed at enhancing cooperation on crucial infrastructure and economic development efforts. The meeting centred around essential components for industrial growth, such as upgrades to road networks, ensuring a stable electricity supply, and improving water and sanitation infrastructure within the Prospecton Precinct, where TSAM operates its manufacturing facilities. In a bid to bolster industrial activity in Prospecton, the municipality is investing over R450 million in various road infrastructure projects that are currently in different stages of implementation. A significant water infrastructure upgrade is also underway, which involves replacing a 375mm asbestos cement pipeline with a new 400mm steel pipeline. This long-anticipated development is expected to markedly improve water supply to the area. In light of recent flood damage, more than R120m has been allocated for the repair and upgrade of sewer networks and pump stations. Moreover, the City has made substantial progress in refurbishing power substations that serve TSAM and the surrounding industrial landscape, ensuring a reliable source of electricity for operations. Recognising TSAM as one of eThekwini's most significant investors, Xaba emphasised the importance of their longstanding partnership, which has flourished over the past five decades. "We are not taking this relationship lightly. That's why we are committed to accelerating current infrastructure projects by shortening lead times for construction and repair work," Xaba said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Xaba also assured TSAM of the city's ongoing support, with a dedicated team led by the City Manager working closely with the automaker to tackle infrastructure challenges and provide regular progress updates. Echoing the commitment to collaboration, TSAM President Andrew Kirby reiterated the company's dedication to being an integral part of Durban's economic future. "Even after the catastrophic floods, it was never a consideration to leave Durban. The strength of our relationship with the city has always been a key factor," said Kirby. TSAM currently contributes R18 billion in national taxes annually, with the municipality collecting over R6m in rates from the company each year. This financial impact highlights the mutual benefit both TSAM and the city experience from their partnership. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Toyota reaffirms commitment to long-term investment in eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba (centre) and Toyota South Africa's President and CEO Andrew Kirby reaffirm a powerful partnership for Durban's industrial future, as TSAM commits to long-term investment. The city has pledged to accelerate infrastructure upgrades in the Prospecton precinct. They are with City Manager Musa Mbhele. Image: Supplied In a significant show of commitment and dedication to the eThekwini municipality and the greater KwaZulu-Natal region, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has reaffirmed its long-term investment strategy. This commitment was made clear during a strategic meeting held yesterday between the eThekwini Municipality mayor Cyril Xaba and TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby. Their discussions centred on enhancing collaboration in essential infrastructure and economic development, paving the way for greater industrial growth in the area. At the heart of their conversation were several crucial enablers for fostering the g rowth. These included plans for road upgrades, the assurance of a stable electricity supply, and improvements to water and sanitation infrastructure in the Prospecton precinct, the operational base for TSAM's manufacturing activities. In attendance to support Xaba were key municipal officials, including City Manager Musa Mbhele and Economic Development Chairperson Councillor Thembo Ntuli. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In a robust investment effort, the municipality has allocated more than R450 million for various road infrastructure projects currently being implemented throughout the Prospecton area. Among these improvements was a major water infrastructure upgrade, which will replace an ageing 375mm asbestos cement pipeline with a more durable 400mm steel pipeline—an essential step aimed at significantly enhancing the water supply to support the industrial activity in the region. Responding to challenges posed by environmental factors, the city has also earmarked over R120 million for the repair and upgrade of sewer networks and pump stations affected by recent flood damage. There has also been an investment in refurbishing power substations that service TSAM and other surrounding industries, to ensure that power reliability remained a priority. In highlighting the significance of this partnership, Xaba expressed gratitude for TSAM's long-standing presence in eThekwini, which has spanned over five decades. 'We are not taking this relationship lightly. That's why we are committed to accelerating current infrastructure projects by shortening lead times for construction and repair work,' he said. He also affirmed that a dedicated support team, led by the City Manager, will maintain close cooperation with TSAM to swiftly address infrastructure challenges and ensure timely updates on progress.
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Newly leaked sketch gives hint of ‘next' Toyota Hilux's interior
Set to retain the AN110 internal moniker, the Hilux will debut next year, not as a brand new generation. Its highly awaited world launch getting ever closer, a sketch drawing, supposedly that of the interior of the 'new generation' Toyota Hilux, has been unearthed in Thailand. Last spotted undergoing testing in June, the tentatively called Hilux Travo won't be an all-new model, but rather the most extensive update to the current eighth generation Hilux since its initial word reveal in 2016. Known so far Systematically rendered since the emergence of first spy shots at the beginning of the year, exterior differences spotted so far comprise new headlight clusters, a restyled grille, new front and rear bumpers, and Volkswagen Amarok-style vertical taillights clusters. ALSO READ: 'New' Toyota Hilux spied again as reported 2026 debut gets closer Unseen till now, allegations pertaining to the interior being derived from the Land Cruiser Prado have seemingly been confirmed as per the mentioned sketch uploaded by Centre to this is a freestanding infotainment display, a redesigned centre console complete with the Prado's gear lever, new air vents, a new digital instrument cluster and what appears to be a secondary display in front of the lever, presumably for the air-conditioning display. A sketch drawing has emerged supposedly showing the interior of the 'new' Toyota Hilux. Image: Supporting the latter's inclusion is the perceived lack of a traditional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) panel below the infotainment as per the dashboard being new. Retained are the pair of gloveboxes and starter button. Underneath Underneath, the Hilux will continue to ride on the IMV platform rather than switching to the newer TNGA-F that underpins the Prado, Land Cruiser 300, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, Lexus GX and LX, but possibly with a number of tweaks. The same applies to the choice of engines, which will seemingly once again consist of the current 2.4 and 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engines, the latter with or without the 48-volt mild hybrid system. Unconfirmed is the possible inclusion of the Prado's eight-speed automatic gearbox in place of the current six, plus an overhauled series of safety and driver's assistance. More to follow… Initially tipped for unveiling in 2023 and then 2025, the Hilux is expected to formally debut early next year, with sales to start soon after. '[Hilux] is extremely important to us as a business and a company. It is the most important vehicle we manufacture and sell… it is our core model,' Toyota South Africa Motors President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, told The Citizen at the launch of the Prado in Mozambique last year. '[The next generation] will have exciting features and upgrades, I think our customers will enjoy'. With the emergence of the sketch and spy images, don't be surprised if more becomes available over coming months. ALSO READ: This is it: 'New' Toyota Hilux emerges in first spy images
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
49% of SA's cars come from one country, and it's not China. But is local manufacturing in trouble?
84% of Japanese-branded vehicles sold in South Africa are sourced from India, including popular models like the Toyota Starlet Cross. Image: Supplied South Africans are buying fewer locally produced vehicles than ever before, sparking fears of deindustrialisation as the market's appetite for affordably priced imports grows. Although the growing array of Chinese brands offered locally is usually seen as the greatest threat to local manufacturers, the vast majority of South Africa's imported cars actually originate from India, according to the latest data from Lightstone. 36% of all the vehicles sold in South Africa in 2024 were imported from India, Lightstone said, while 37% were locally manufactured. Chinese imports accounted for just 11% of vehicle sales last year. Where SA's vehicles are built: 2009 versus 2024. Image: Lightstone When we exclude the bakkies and light commercial vehicles, India's share grows to almost half of our market. Lightstone figures for the first five months of 2025, shared exclusively with IOL, show that 49% of all passenger vehicle sales were imports from India. The majority of these vehicles emanate from the Maruti Suzuki operation in India, which also supplies Toyota with vehicles such as the Starlet, Starlet Cross, Vitz and Urban Cruiser. Suzuki Auto's own vehicles, such as the Swift, Baleno and Fronx, are also gaining market share, with the new-generation Swift having dominated the passenger car market on numerous occasions in 2025. Interestingly, 84% of all the Japanese-branded light vehicles sold in South Africa in 2024 were imported from India, Lightstone said, with just 10% actually built in Japan. Likewise, the majority of South Korean (81%) and French branded vehicles (74%) are also sourced from India. 'The growth in vehicle sales originating in India can be attributed to the large number of vehicle manufacturers now producing vehicles in the country, leveraging the relatively cheap cost of labour and overall manufacturing costs,' said Andrew Hibbert, Auto Data Analyst at Lightstone. Affordably priced Indian- and Chinese-build vehicles have, on the one hand, become a significant blessing to cash-strapped South African consumers. Yet it is of concern that in 2009, around half of the light vehicles sold in South Africa were locally produced. In that year, just 5% of our vehicles were sourced from India. Does this mean that South Africa's local manufacturing industry is in trouble? Although Toyota SA head Andrew Kirby has warned of a slow and steady 'deindustrialisation', and other CEOs such as Ford's Neil Hill and VWSA's Martina Biene have also expressed serious concerns about local manufacturing feasibility, South African carmakers have shifted their focus to exports, while gradually increasing production volumes over the years. For instance, 632,000 vehicles were produced locally in 2023, up from 571,000 in 2016. 2023 was a record year for SA vehicle exports, with 399,000 vehicles shipped abroad, according to Naamsa, and although 2024 saw a dip to 308,000 exports, the value of these exports actually increased and the lower volumes were largely seen as a temporary setback due to economic conditions abroad. 2024 Toyota Hilux Raider facelift South Africa There remains a massive demand for locally-produced bakkies, such as the Toyota Hilux. Image: Supplied Also somewhat encouraging is that South Africa's five top-selling vehicles in 2024 were locally produced. These were the Toyota Hilux (32,656), VW Polo Vivo (25,913), Ford Ranger (25,533), Toyota Corolla Cross (21,861) and Isuzu D-Max (11,153). But below that, gradually eating into the volumes of locally produced cars and bakkies, is a proliferation of affordably priced SUVs imported from India and China.
The Citizen
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
‘New' Toyota Hilux spied again as reported 2026 debuts gets closer
Based on the latest and previous images, the Hilux won't be an all-new model, but reportedly the most extensive update handed to the current generation. 'Next generation' Toyota Hilux has been spied, once again, ahead of its reported world debut in 2026. Image: Toyota With little having emerged since the uncovering of first spy images back in January, the incoming 'next generation' Toyota Hilux has made its second appearance ahead of its supposed unveiling in 2026. Not entire new Spotted undergoing testing in Thailand where principle production takes place, the series of images, posted on social media on Wednesday (25 June), shows the still heavily disguised Hilux sporting what appears to be new headlights and a restyled grille, as well as a new front bumper. ALSO READ: This is it: 'New' Toyota Hilux emerges in first spy images At the rear, new vertical taillights clusters, seemingly identical to those of the Volkswagen Amarok, feature, along with what appears to be a new bumper with an integrated step. Same same Set to adopt the Hilux Travo name in Thailand based on the discovery of a trademark submission at the beginning of the year, the latest images by the Kurdistan_Automotive_Blog on Instagram, doesn't provide any technical details of what is believed to be another facelift of the current AN110 Hilux than a completely new model. Sporting the same silhouette as the AN110 that debuted a decade ago, the apparent most extensive refresh in its prolonged lifecycle is unlikely to result in any new powertrains, meaning the retention of the venerable 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine possibly with and without the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Set to remain on the IMV platform rather than moving to the TNGA-F that underpins the Land Cruiser Prado, Land Cruiser 300, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, Lexus GX and LX, reports from Australia have, however, alleged that the Hilux could possibly receive the eight-speed automatic from the former, though this remains unconfirmed at present. Possible changes Its foundation, currently also used by the Fortuner and Hilux Champ/Rangga likely to be updated, the Hilux's interior will suggestively also undergo a series of revisions to offset its age, of which the exact extent remains unclear. Current AN110 generation Hilux has been on-sale globally since 2015. Image: Toyota Speculatively, these are likely to consist of upgraded materials, a new dashboard housing a bigger infotainment display, and possibly a fully digital instrument cluster on higher-end derivatives. More before 2026? '[Hilux] is extremely important to us as a business and a company. It is the most important vehicle we manufacture and sell… it is our core model,' Toyota South Africa Motors President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, told The Citizen on the sidelines of the Land Cruiser Prado's launch in Mozambique last year. '[The next generation] will have exciting features and upgrades I think our customers will enjoy,'. Rumoured back in 2023 as being inline for unveiling in 2025, expectations are that the Hilux will possibly debut early next year before arriving in key markets throughout 2026. Despite no clear details being known at present, expect more, and additional spy images, to emerge throughout the remainder of the year. NOW READ: Longer wait: Next Toyota Hilux and Fortuner now only due in 2026
