Earlier this week, Toyota South Africa Motors announced its intention to assemble the popular Quantum and Ses’fikile at its Prospecton plant in Durban.

To date, the Quantum and Ses’fikile taxi, which share basic platform and mechanical components, has been manufactured in Japan and imported fully built up. This announcement follows long, fruitful discussions between Toyota SA, Toyota Motor Corporation and the government.

The local assembly of these vehicles is dependent on certain preconditions, which, if fulfilled, will start in the second quarter.

According to the manufacturer, Toyota SA will, upon completion of the preparations, be in a position to comment on the investment and job creation targets set by this project.

Toyota SA is one of the leading vehicle manufacturers and exporters in South Africa.

Following a five-year R8bn revitalisation plan, which concluded in 2009, its Prospecton plant now boasts an annual capacity of 220000 vehicles. Toyota at present produces left- and right-hand drive versions of the Corolla, Fortuner and Hilux ranges at this facility and exports these vehicles to 57 countries. – On The Road Reporter