Latest news with #ToyotaSA
IOL News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Motor manufacturers under threat: SA mulls incentive revisions, but are tariffs the answer?
File picture: Mercedes-Benz SA. Deindustrialisation remains a major threat to the South African vehicle manufacturing industry. Image: Supplied South Africa's automotive manufacturing industry is facing an existential crisis as affordable imports from India and China flood the market and export contracts come under threat. Although the imposition of US tariffs only affects Mercedes-Benz at present, this is expected to take a significant toll on that company, while elsewhere in the industry, a gradual deindustrialisation is eroding local output. While industry leaders such as Toyota SA CEO Andrew Kirby have previously sounded the warning bells about industrial decline, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, added to the chorus this week when he stated that the abovementioned pressures have resulted in 12 component company closures and over 4,000 job losses in the last two years. Speaking at an industry showcase held by the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam) on Wednesday, Tau stated that local vehicle production, at 515,850 units in 2024, was far below the Automotive Masterplan 2035 target of 784,509. Equally worrying is that local content for vehicle production remains stagnant at 39%, well below the 64% target. Imports remain a threat, as just 37% of the vehicles that South Africans purchase are locally produced, according to Lightstone, while 36% are sourced from India and 11% from China. Minister Parks Tau said his department was currently reviewing the APDP incentive programme. Image: Supplied 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 'Localisation is not merely policy compliance - it is existential. A 5% increase in local content would unlock R30 billion in new procurement, dwarfing the R4.4 billion US export market. To achieve this, we must act collectively to address some of the bottlenecks to growth,' Tau said. He revealed that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) was reviewing the current Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP) as a comprehensive way of responding to the sector's challenges. Among these reforms would be shifting the duty credit incentive structure to place a greater emphasis on rewarding full manufacture, rather than just assembly. The government is also planning to incentivise electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing. As announced earlier this year, carmakers will be able to claim a 150% tax deduction on investments related to EV production. The government is also considering adding locally mined minerals to the list of Items that qualify as local content under the APDP. In addition, a comprehensive skills gap analysis has been completed, resulting in EV-specific curricula and certification programmes now being developed in conjunction with numerous universities. The Minister said the government was also working hard to eliminate compliance burdens and reduce the red tape currently inhibiting investment into the auto sector. This includes a General Laws Amendment Bill that aims to fast-track high-impact investments and projects within 90 days. A call for punitive tariffs However, when it comes to protecting the local manufacturing industry from a flood of affordable imports, it appears the DTIC is not in favour of punitive measures such as tariffs. This is in spite of widespread calls for this, including from manufacturers such as BMW SA and industry organisations. Speaking at a separate event held on Tuesday, in response to Trump's tariff imposition, Tau said: 'With regards to Chinese and Indian auto, it is a discussion that we're currently having with the intention of taking a less punitive approach, but rather taking a more proactive approach of getting some of those products manufactured in the country.' 'So we're not holding the stick as a starting point. We start with the carrot and then balance it with the stick," Tau added.
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota Hilux Legend 55: SA price confirmed
The fifth heritage-inspired Hilux to come from Toyota South Africa's stable since this nameplate was introduced to our shores in 1969, the Hilux Legend 55 will soon launch in SA. Now, before its official local debut, Toyota SA has confirmed to CAR Magazine how much the new model will cost in our market. 2025 Toyota Hilux Legend 55 price A quartet of Hilux Legend 55 models will be available: Two double-cab derivatives and two Xtra Cab variants. The former and latter will be priced from R885 700 and R935 900 (4×4), and R728 300 and R813 700 (4×4), respectively. Toyota Hilux Legend 55 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Double Cab AT — R935 900 R935 900 Toyota Hilux Legend 55 2.8 GD-6 Double Cab AT — R885 700 R885 700 Toyota Hilux Legend 55 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Xtra Cab AT — R813 700 R813 700 Toyota Hilux Legend 55 2.8 GD-6 Xtra Cab AT — R728 300 The Legend 55 will employ the Japanese automaker's tried-and-tested 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel powertrain. Power and torque outputs remain unconfirmed, however. Yet, CAR mag expects the six-speed automatic transmission these models are equipped with will deliver 150kW and 500Nm to the road. The Legend 55 package includes a variety of model-specific exterior design items to set it apart from its 'standard' stablemates. The latter includes a bespoke styling package, bash plate, new sports bar, roller shutter, and a tow bar. We also expect a unique body hue (seen on the model here, which was showcased at Toyota SA's 2025 SOMI event) will be available. While the interior of this derivative hasn't been revealed, the magazine expects 'Legend 55' badging will be present, along with a few other unique trim elements. As a reminder, images and drawings of the new Hilux was recently leaked – showcasing how the 2026 model will look, inside and out. Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! Related The post Toyota Hilux Legend 55: SA Price Confirmed appeared first on CAR Magazine.
TimesLIVE
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Toyota welcomes Comrades winner Gerda Steyn as official ambassador
Toyota SA Motors has announced Gerda Steyn as its new brand ambassador for the next three years. The announcement was made at the 98th Comrades Marathon on Sunday, where Steyn was crowned winner in the women's category. The qualified quantity surveyor is a four-time Comrades marathon champion and one of the most accomplished ultra-marathon athletes in the world, holding records for the Two Oceans (six times) and Comrades Marathon down run and up run. Steyn's running career kick-started at the Comrades Marathon in 2015 where she finished in the 56th position. As part of her ambassadorship Steyn will be paired with the Toyota Fortuner SUV. 'Toyota SA Motors is proud to support athletes who embody determination, resilience and a global sporting spirit. To this effect, Toyota's partnership with Gerda is the beginning of new and exciting adventures,' said Tasneem Lorgat, GM marketing communications at Toyota SA. The company said Steyn's appointment reaffirmed Toyota's commitment to supporting sports as a tool for nation-building and social cohesion — values linked to its historic 21-year support of the Comrades Marathon. Commenting on her appointment, Steyn said: 'To represent Toyota — pioneers and leaders in the motoring industry — is a huge honour. I look forward to this long-term partnership with a name that stands head and shoulders above the rest.'
