This was confirmed by Toyota SA, following the talks with Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM), the Indian affiliate of the global Toyota Motor Corporation.
The new Etios will bolster Toyota’s line-up in the fast growing sub-B entry-level segment.
Nigel Ward, Senior Vice President: Manufacturing Support Group at Toyota South Africa Motors, highlighted the global nature of vehicle manufacturing and the role played by Toyota.
“Through our major export contracts of Hilux, Fortuner and Corolla vehicles to 57 countries across the world, we are able gain significant economies of scale and ensure optimal quality.This has ensured our position as a key manufacturing hub in the global Toyota Motor Corporation operations and enabled us to take advantage of the volume manufacturing of Toyota affiliates in other parts of the world.”
The arrival of several hundred Etios units at the automotive terminal of the Durban harbour follows just two weeks after TKM is set to become a major exporter of Etios vehicles with export volumes expected to exceed 20 000 units per year.
“Today’s event is further evidence of our role as a key manufacturing and export hub in the global Toyota Motor Corporation,” says Ward.
The new model will be offered with a powerful 1.5 litre petrol engine and the choice of hatch back or sedan body style.
Full local introduction of Etios will take place in May this year.
At the time of publishing, Toyota SA did not indicate as how many units will be made available.
