Toyota Motors South Africa (TMSA) hosted their annual State of the Motoring Industry (SOMI) 2025. TMSA revealed the results achieved during 2024 and shared projections for 2025. Unfortunately, Toyota vehicles on the road decreased, despite last year’s prediction of an increase, albeit a limited one.
The CEO of TMSA Andrew Kirby says just over 515 000 passenger and commercial vehicles were sold in 2024. “My projection last year was 540 000 units and was based on the expectation that the economy would improve significantly in the second quarter, however, this did not happen.
“In addition to the second quarter not seeing as great an improvement as expected, structural changes in the taxi industry also played a role. This industry alone saw a 16% drop. Without these challenges, the 4% over-projection would have only been just over 1%.”
Kirby noted the B-segment saw the greatest increase in 2024. “This growth is due to passengers moving toward more affordable vehicles. The SUV and crossover segment also increased by 2% while vehicles sold in the D-segment were only SUVs. Consequently, hatches and sedans saw a decrease.”
“Within TMSA, Lexus and Hino played a significant role in the commercial segment. The Starlet Cross did well within its segment even with the challenges created by supply chain shortages. The Corolla Cross had strong performance particularly within the local market. Currently, there is a two-year waiting list for the Land Cruiser Prado. Premium segments continue to decline but Lexus still performed well in a very difficult market,” says Kirby.
New launches coming in 2025
Corolla Cross
- Expected launch: already in showrooms
- What’s new:
- Refined design elements including all-new face, new sequential headlamps and new colours Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze
- Cutting-edge technologies
- Enhanced safety features including Toyota safety sense
Fortuner GR-S
- Expected launch: March 2025
- What’s new:
- Exclusive GR styling: 18’’ GR alloy wheels, redesigned and lower GR bumper, Alcantara GR Sports seats and GR aluminium sports pedals
- GR tuned suspension for a sportier feel
- More power with an additional 15 kW (165 kW in total)
- Torque increased by 50 Nm (550 Nm in total)
GR Yaris Upgrade
- Expected launch: March 2025
- What’s new:
- 8AT GR direct auto transmission
- 6L engine with 210 kW and 400 Nm
- Display audio updates
- Safety spec updates
- VSC with limited slip differential parking support brake
- Reverse camera
Hilux Legend 55
- Expected launch: March 2025
- What’s new:
- Wider body and tread suspension
- Legend 55 styling kit
- Bash plate
- Load bay rubberising
- Newly designed styling bar
- Towbar
Lexus LX update
- Expected launch: February 2025
- What’s new:
- 1MT-HEV engine (341 kW/ 650 Nm)
- Safety Sensor 3
- Safe-Exit Assist
- 3” full digital instrument cluster
- Seat massagers – selected models
- Wireless charger
- Auto-parking
- Ultra-wide band security system
Lexus GX
- Expected launch: March 2025
- What’s new:
- 5L V6 engine (260 kW / 650 Nm)
- Two-grade strategy: 5-seater and 7-seater
- Fully equipped for off-roading
- Electric side-step
- 22” wheels
- Seat massager
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