New Toyota’s ready for South African roads

At the ninth annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event of Toyota more details were made public about the forthcoming product line-up.

Locally, the focus will continue to be on the three core brands: Toyota, Lexus, and Gazoo Racing (GR) with GR now a separate brand entity.

Toyota states a multi-‑pathway strategy, which acknowledges that no single technology can address all customer or market needs, is the way forward. Instead, Toyota advances a balanced mix of hybrid, plugin hybrid, battery‑in hybrid, battery electric‑electric and hydrogen solutions.

In support of its NEV roadmap, TSAM participates in a range of energy diversification and mobility projects aligned to three core pillars, namely Electric Vehicle Eco-system, Carbon Neutral‑Neutral Fuels and Circular Economy.

Andrew Kirby (president and CEO of TSAM).

A pioneer of hybrid technology, both globally and in South Africa, TSAM showcased an expanded its new energy vehicle line‑up, including:

Toyota bZ4X BEV – Toyota’s first Battery Electric Vehicle in South Africa
Toyota RAV4 HEV and PHEV
Corolla Cross GR-‑S HEV
Land Cruiser 300 1M-‑HEV
Lexus RZ BEV
Lexus RZ 600e BEV

Two new Toyota’s that will without a doubt receive a lot of attention is the new FJ Cruiser and the new Toyota RAV4.

The Toyota bZ4X BEV, the brand’s first battery electric vehicle in South Africa.

It was announced a new collaboration between Gazoo Racing and SVR, a certified factory for Toyota approved‑approved vehicle modifications. The project is currently in development, with details to be revealed soon.

Toyota also says Gazoo Racing continues to elevate Toyota’s performance credentials globally. The establishment of a local GR modification facility is a significant milestone, bringing world‑class engineering and customisation to South African motorsport.

Additionally, TSAM confirmed the launch of GR Parts, a performance-focused‑focused accessory range to be offered through dealerships with dedicated GR Zones.

Some of the new Toyota’s with the Land Cruiser 300 1M-‑HEV on the right.

This year’s SOMI brought together industry leaders, policymakers, media, and mobility partners under the theme “Driving Through Disruption.” The event explored global volatility, industrial competitiveness, and the acceleration of South Africa’s transition to New Energy Vehicles.