Toyota invests billions to build hybrid cars in SA
The KZN government has welcomed a R2,5 billion investment by Toyota South Africa, for the production of its first hybrid synergy drive car.
The Japanese multinational says it will begin production of the petro-electric vehicle at its Prospecton plant in Durban.
The system automatically switches between electric power and conventional engine power, depending on conditions.
MEC of KZN Economic Development Department, Nomusa Dube-Ncube says the investment comes at a time when the sector has suffered billions in losses because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Ahead of the outbreak, we were moving with speed to ensure that our Automotive Supplier Park SEZ, located in the South of Durban, is operational in 2021. We had projected the creation of 1339 jobs through an investment of R2.2 billion," said Ncube.
"It should be remembered that in February we had successful negotiations with the leadership of Toyota who agreed to be one of our tenants in our Supplier Park."
She added that Toyota has made a great impact on the economy, with the company spending R24, 2 billion on procurement with previously disadvantaged communities benefitting.
READ: Eskom ruling will have negative impact on economy - Nersa
"We want the impact of the sector to be felt in the township and rural communities. We are excited because Toyota South Africa has agreed to work with the department to ensure the entry of young people in the townships and rural sectors into the automotive sector."
Ahead of lockdown, EDTEA's figures showed that the entire Transport Equipment sector employed more than 14 815 in the province and 9 242 people in eThekwini.
"We have planned to invest more in Research and Development (R&D) Infrastructure to promote Electronic Vehicles. This is an area we want to explore in order to re-engineer the sector," added Ncube.
