Comprehensive participation underscores Toyota’s commitment to transformation, innovation, skills development and the future of mobility in South Africa
Durban – Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is set to play a significant role at the 5th edition of naamsa | Auto Week 2026, taking place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, the home of Toyota’s Prospecton manufacturing plant and a cornerstone of South Africa’s automotive industry.
As one of the country’s leading automotive manufacturers and a long-standing supporter of industry collaboration, TSAM’s participation will span multiple facets of the programme, reflecting the company’s commitment to transformation, skills development, sustainable mobility and industrial growth.
“naamsa Auto Week has become an important platform for meaningful engagement across government, industry, academia and business. We are particularly pleased that this year’s event is being hosted in Durban, where Toyota has proudly manufactured vehicles for South Africans and export markets for decades. It provides an opportunity to showcase not only our products and technologies, but also the people, partnerships and investments that continue to drive South Africa’s automotive sector forward,” says Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors.
Demonstrating Toyota’s Multi-Pathway electrification strategy
Toyota’s participation began with the annual NEV road trip, showcasing its growing portfolio of electrified vehicles, reinforcing its commitment to a practical, customer-centric approach to decarbonisation.
The fleet that participated in the road trip included:
- Toyota bZ4X battery electric vehicle (BEV)
- Lexus RZ battery electric vehicle (BEV)
- Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
The participation highlights Toyota’s belief in a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, providing customers with a range of technologies suited to different driving needs, infrastructure readiness and market conditions.
Championing transformation and supplier development
As part of Auto Week exhibitions, Toyota will partake in the naamsa Transformation Day. The exhibition will showcase businesses that have successfully progressed through Toyota’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme.
The ESD showcase will provide delegates with practical examples of how supplier development initiatives can unlock opportunities for previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs, strengthen local supply chains and contribute to a more inclusive automotive value chain.
By highlighting the journeys of these suppliers, Toyota aims to demonstrate how strategic partnerships can drive meaningful economic participation while supporting the long-term sustainability of local manufacturing.
Mobility Partner to naamsa Auto Week 2026
TSAM is also excited to serve as Mobility Partner to naamsa Auto Week, providing a fleet of Toyota vehicles to transport delegates, dignitaries, industry leaders and guests throughout the event. The partnership reflects Toyota’s commitment to supporting platforms that encourage dialogue, collaboration and innovation across the automotive ecosystem.
Executive insights and global perspectives
Toyota executives will contribute to several discussions and thought leadership sessions throughout the week.
Representing TSAM is:
- Andrew Kirby, President and Chief Executive Officer,
- Nigel Ward, Executive Vice President Manufacturing and Manufacturing Support Group,
- Bronwyn Kilpatrick, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
- Nsikelelo Radebe, General Manager Learning and Development,
- Tania Hughes, General Manager Human Resources Reform and
- Kim Nisbet, Senior Manager Purchasing (Enterprise Supplier Development).
In addition, attendees will gain valuable global perspectives through a dedicated Toyota Global TED-style presentation, offering insights into international automotive trends, future mobility and the evolving manufacturing landscape.
Showcasing Toyota’s latest products
Auto Week delegates will have an opportunity to experience Toyota’s latest vehicle introductions through a dedicated display featuring some of the company’s newest products launched during 2026:
- Toyota RAV4 GR Sport
- Toyota bZ4X Touring
- Corolla Cross 60th anniversary
- Toyota Hilux Legend
The vehicle display will demonstrate Toyota’s diverse product offering across passenger, SUV, electrified and light commercial vehicle segments, reflecting the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of South African customers.
Investing in South Africa’s manufacturing talent pipeline
In recognition of the critical role skills development plays in sustaining the country’s industrial competitiveness, Toyota will also host a dedicated Skills Development Stand.
The exhibit will showcase the company’s various programmes aimed at developing future manufacturing talent, including technical training, artisan development, learnerships, internships and graduate programmes.
Through these initiatives, Toyota continues to invest in building a robust pipeline of skills required to support advanced manufacturing and future mobility technologies.
Opening the doors to Prospecton
As part of the Auto Week programme, Toyota will welcome delegates to its flagship Prospecton manufacturing facility through a dedicated plant tour.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the scale, technology and operational excellence behind one of Africa’s largest automotive manufacturing plants, while gaining insight into Toyota’s contribution to local production, exports and employment.
Building connections through networking
Further supporting industry engagement, Toyota will host delegates at a Ministerial Networking Golf Day, creating an additional platform for collaboration, networking and dialogue between government representatives, business leaders and key industry stakeholders.
Driving the future together
As South Africa’s automotive industry continues to evolve amid shifting technologies, sustainability imperatives and changing customer expectations, Toyota remains committed to working alongside industry partners to develop solutions that support economic growth, job creation and future competitiveness.
“Auto Week provides an important opportunity for stakeholders across the automotive ecosystem to come together, exchange ideas and shape the future of mobility in South Africa. We look forward to engaging with delegates throughout the week and showcasing how Toyota continues to contribute to the growth and development of the industry and the communities we serve,” concludes Kirby.