Today, at its seventh annual State of the Motor Industry event, Toyota South Africa Motors announced its strategy for the next few years.
But not before enthusiastically patting itself on the back for the progress it made last year, despite the challenges it faced – load shedding, fuel price increases, and 2022 flood recovery being chief among them. These challenges saw Toyota fall short of its predicted 2023 figures by 7%.
Yet, as much as that might suck for Toyota execs and their annual bonuses, the brand remains the most popular in the country by number of units sold – and it’s not even close.
New Toyotas incoming
On to more exciting news, as part of its drive towards a greener future, the Japanese motoring giant announced several updates to its local vehicle portfolio. The first to further those plans will be a new addition to the local Hilux family. The Hilux 48V and its 48-volt mild hybrid electric package is set to launch in March this year as a slightly more environmentally- and economically-friendly alternative to one of the country’s favourite bakkies.
If you, like us, had your hopes set on a fully-electric Toyota or Lexus launching in South Africa this year then you’ll have to sit tight. Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the bZ4X, is set to arrive in 2025. The local representative will be from the vehicle’s second generation and available locally in front-wheel or dual-motor all-wheel drive derivatives with an expected range of 400km.
The Lexus RZ is set to launch here in January 2025 as a premium alternative to the bZ4X. The first “bespoke” BEV from Toyota’s luxury sub-brand will feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain that’ll send 150kW to the front axle and 80kW to the rear. It will also sport a “pioneering” Steer-by-Wire system, the “most advanced to go to market” according to Toyota.
Still burning dinosaurs
While the brand reaffirmed its commitment to a greener future, it isn’t leaving ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles behind just yet. The iconic Land Cruiser 70 series receives a much-needed facelift with “retro-inspired” styling and a refined (although still rather analogue) infotainment system.
For the first time, from February 2024, the single cab, double cab, and station wagon models will be available with the familiar 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine and six-speed automatic gearbox combo. This drivetrain will slot into the LC70’s existing options in addition to what’s already available. Toyota isn’t replacing the venerable V8 or V6 engines just yet.
Joining the refreshed LC70 from April this year, is the new Land Cruiser Prado. It too sees a stylistic return to its boxy, square-silhouetted roots with modern design cues and a suitably modern interior. It will be offered in standard and limited-run ‘First Edition’ guises, retains the TX and VX-R trim levels but loses the 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine option in favour of the 2.8 GD-6 engine.
Local pricing and availability for Toyota’s new crop of vehicles are expected to arrive closer to their respective launches, the first of which is just around the corner.