Toyota Prospecton: The Plant That Built South Africa's Most-Loved Vehicle

On the southern bank of Durban''s harbour, Toyota''s Prospecton manufacturing plant has been building vehicles since 1962. Today it employs 9,000 people and produces the Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and Corolla Quest — three of South Africa''s five best-selling vehicles. The plant covers 220 hectares and produces approximately 230,000 vehicles per year, making it the largest vehicle manufacturing facility in Sub-Saharan Africa by volume. Every Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and Corolla Quest sold in South Africa is assembled here; a significant portion is exported to 53 countries across Africa, the Middle East and South America. **History** Toyota South Africa began vehicle assembly in 1962 at a smaller facility before moving to Prospecton in 1975 to accommodate growing demand. The original Corolla, the legendary Datsun-rivalling Celica and eventually the Hilux (introduced to SA in 1972) were all produced here. The plant''s most significant expansion came in 2004 when Toyota invested R1.2 billion to prepare for the launch of the third-generation Hilux — the vehicle that would define the South African bakkie segment for the next 20 years. **The Hilux Legacy** The Hilux has been South Africa''s best-selling vehicle for 11 of the past 15 years. Its production at Prospecton means it''s a locally-made product — and this resonates with South African buyers who understand the economic contribution of purchasing locally manufactured vehicles. **Future Investment** Toyota South Africa has confirmed R4.6 billion in new investment at Prospecton, which will include electrification-ready production infrastructure and expanded battery assembly capability to support future hybrid and potential EV production.