Toyota South Africa (TSAM) has an exciting few years ahead of it as it plans to integrate a variety of new-energy vehicles (NEV) into its catalogue in line with the automaker’s new global strategy.

This includes mild-hybrid (MHEV) variants of the Hilux and Fortuner, at least six traditional hybrids (HEV), three plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and two battery-electric vehicles (BEV).

While other car manufacturers are throwing all their weight behind one powertrain technology, generally BEVs, Toyota favours a multi-prong approach for the future of its business as it believes individual markets need tailor-made products and that mobility isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

In a recent roundtable with local media, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM, Leon Theron, highlighted that there is still a place for internal combustion engines (ICE) in the subsidiary’s portfolio and there will be for a long time.

However, TSAM aims to cut emissions by 40% before 2026 across its entire operational chain including the Lexus and Hino sub-brands, and to have approximately 40% of its passenger car sales consist of NEVs.

In its pursuit of this goal, the company is shifting a large part of its focus to HEVs, PHEVs, and powertrain conversions over the next few years.

The way to go for South Africa

First up, local enthusiasts will be excited to hear that TSAM is bringing out a new Hilux and Fortuner in mild-hybrid guise in early 2024.

Unfortunately, it shared no specifics on these vehicles, but judging from other MHEV setups on the market, they probably won’t be too groundbreaking.

Usually, a mild-hybrid consists of the standard ICE mated with an integrated starter generator and 12-48V battery which offer a few notable benefits.

Fuel savings and smoother acceleration are generally the main goal for MHEVs as the electrical system fills in some of the ICE’s power gaps from a standstill and offers partial regenerative braking.

In the HEV sphere, TSAM has planned the introduction of the new Crown, the first “global model” of the Crown nameplate, in 2023. This particular range has been a Japan-exclusive since 1955 but will now be making its way to other markets including ours in several body styles.

South Africa is getting the crossover variant driven by a 2.5-litre, parallel-hybrid drivetrain with an output in the neighbourhood of 170kW and a fuel consumption of under 5.0l/100km.

The second HEV that is on the way, judging from the Toyota teaser image above, is a semi-electrified version of the new Urban Cruiser.

This would make a lot of sense seeing as the co-developed Suzuki Grand Vitara also recently made its debut in the country and brought with it Suzuki’s first hybridised powertrain.

This took the form of a 1.5-litre, mild-hybrid configuration, and it remains to be seen whether Toyota will utilise the same drive unit or install a different one into its Urban Cruiser.

TSAM also said it has seen a significant rise in demand for HEVs in the compact-car segment and that it has a few products lined up to satiate this hunger.

Again, no names were shared but we do know that a minimum of four Toyota-badged HEVs are scheduled to launch in the various small-car categories over the coming years.

Additionally, with battery prices continually coming down and HEV sales volumes picking up, TSAM said they will become a lot more “cost competitive” in the near future.

Plug-in hybrids, TSAM believes, are the ideal solution for South Africa’s unique circumstances, and it therefore has three PHEVs in the pipeline.

There are no launch dates set in stone just yet, but we do know that the RAV4 and Lexus NX and RX are on their way in plug-in guise.

The RAV4 is currently being tested on local roads by media and dealers alike with a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor on each axle powered by an 18.1kWh battery.

Altogether, the drivetrain generates 225kW, returns a claimed fuel consumption of 1.15l/100km, and provides an EV-only range of 80km at speeds of up to 135km/h.

Theron calls PHEVs “the way to go for South Africa” as they bring the best of both worlds – which is being able to use them as BEVs during your weekly commutes and long-distance vehicles over the weekend.

The all-electric range of Toyota and Lexus PHEVs is also set to increase to over 200km in the near future to create what the automaker calls “practical BEVs.”

The main hurdle standing in the way of more immediate PHEV introductions is price since you’re essentially paying for two engines in one body. However, Theron said TSAM has a team that is actively trying to figure out where it can reduce costs to make the RAV4’s launch price “just right” for South African buyers.

Finally, there is at least one, possibly two BEVs scheduled for a South African launch from 2025 onwards.

The one that is confirmed is the new bZ4X– Toyota’s first fully-electric model.

Depending on the region, the bZ4X is offered in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) specifications, each equipped with a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

The FWD version generates 150kW allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds and a maximum driving range of 500 kilometres.

The AWD derivative, on the other hand, makes do with an 80kW motor on each axle for an overall output of 160kW. This accomplishes the 0-100km/h sprint in a quicker 7.7 seconds, but results in a lower range of 460km.

The name of the other incoming BEV must still be confirmed, but if the silhouette of the teaser image is anything to go by, it could be a pure battery-powered RAV4.

Theron further said that the new NEV-focused strategy will open up a lot more opportunities in the after-sales segment.

One of these is the possibility of ICE-to-hydrogen or ICE-to-e-fuel conversions. In the next few years, Toyota wants to make it possible for owners of its current vehicles to take them to dealers and convert them to run on hydrogen or cabon-neutral e-fuels.

Toyota Japan is currently trialing these conversion technologies in a Corolla race car, in which it only changed the ICE model’s injectors, tank, fuel lines, and ECU for it to run on hydrogen, with the knowledge gained in this endeavour inevitably trickling down to production vehicles.

Theron also said going all-electric is one of the last things on Toyota’s mind, specifically because of after-sales potential, its dealer network, and the needs of local consumers.

He warned that if TSAM switches exclusively to BEVs and discards all the rest, its dealer network will lose up to 70% in after-sales revenue since BEVs have significantly lower running costs than just about any other propulsion technology.

Additionally, BEVs aren’t feasible on the African continent where there are vast open spaces of wilderness and electricity crises in many of the countries. Consequently, hydrogen, carbon-neutral fuels, and hybrid conversions will be better solutions for these customers.

With regards to FCEVs, TSAM currently has a second-generation Mirai on local soil doing feasibility studies, but it’s unlikely to go on sale any time soon.

Theron said Toyota sees fuel cells as being better suited for heavy commercial vehicles due to the powertrains’ sheer size and weight, so that’s where the organisation plans to implement FCEVs going forward.

More innovation taking place in the commercial space is the testing of a hybrid Hino 300 in Japan, with the rollout of the production version of this truck expected to happen within the next two years, said Theron.

Unfortunately, the increased demand and supply of NEVs around the globe, not just from Toyota but from all car brands, does necessitate more intense mining of rare earth materials for components such as batteries and microchips.

Toyota is acutely aware of this fact, and it has guided the company to first invest in HEVs and PHEVs before spending too much on BEVs.

It noted that the materials for one BEV can be shared among six PHEVs or up to 99 HEVs. Therefore, it will rather share fewer benefits of NEVs with a larger group of buyers than give one owner all the good stuff while others are getting all the bad stuff.

Thinking ahead, Toyota already has a recycling strategy in place for its existing HEVs and said that, for upcoming NEVs, it will build them in such a way that at the end of their usable life, they will be easily disassembled and recycled.

Keyword: Hybrid Toyota cars coming to South Africa – Including a Hilux and Fortuner

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Here’s Everything You Get In The Base 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The steel wheels say “work truck,” but adaptive cruise and push-button start were the stuff of luxury cars only a few years ago.

View more: Here’s Everything You Get In The Base 2024 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota to sell massive $4.7B stake in top supplier as it looks to catch up in EV race

Toyota is securing substantial funding as it looks to catch up in the EV race. Sources close to the matter say Toyota and its affiliates will sell a stake of around $4.7B in Denso, the second-largest global auto supplier. Toyota plans to sell around 10% (roughly $4.7 billion) of ...

View more: Toyota to sell massive $4.7B stake in top supplier as it looks to catch up in EV race

The Crown Signia Is A Wagon Regardless Of What Toyota Says

Image: Toyota American car buyers, for the most part, are not fans of wagons. The long roof body style has almost disappeared from the U.S. car market with only a few models remaining. There is the ever-popular Subaru Outback, and some more expensive options from Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo. ...

View more: The Crown Signia Is A Wagon Regardless Of What Toyota Says

Five most affordable automatic cars in South Africa

Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL Auto – R188,900 Renault Kwid 1.0 Zen Auto – R212,999 Proton Saga 1.3 Standard Auto – R224,900 Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL Auto – R225,900 Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR Auto – R239,900 When it comes to city driving, an automatic gearbox is one of the best ...

View more: Five most affordable automatic cars in South Africa

2024 Toyota Tacoma First Drive: A Sure Bet Remains So

•    Auto123 gets in a first drive of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Toronto, ON – This past May, Toyota unveiled the new generation of its Tacoma pickup truck. That happened in Hawaii, an exotic locale to be sure, but it happens to be where the model has been the best-selling ...

View more: 2024 Toyota Tacoma First Drive: A Sure Bet Remains So

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $32,995

It’s still one of the most affordable trucks in the segment.

View more: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $32,995

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Adds Some Polish But Keeps The Fun

Thanks to a torquey, 270-hp four-cylinder and an available six-speed manual, the new Taco is a charmer.

View more: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Adds Some Polish But Keeps The Fun

Toyota Selling Shorty Land Cruiser 70 For $46,000 But There’s A Catch

The Land Cruiser 70 Series will turn 40 next year but it's still going strong.

View more: Toyota Selling Shorty Land Cruiser 70 For $46,000 But There’s A Catch

Exclusive: Toyota group companies plan $4.7 billion sale of Denso stake

2024 Toyota Camry NASCAR Cup Series Contender Gets The Road Car's New Looks

The Only New Toyota Camry That Won't Be A Hybrid Is Racing In NASCAR

New Toyota Hilux Champ – Engines and interior revealed

You Can Buy Toyota's Tiny $13,000 Work Truck But Not In The US

Kia Sonet Vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Price, Engine Specs & Dimensions Comparison

The Toyota Corolla GR Sport - Unassuming, Uncompromising Thrills

Affordable hatchbacks with the best warranties in South Africa

Next-gen Ford Mustang – The competitors at R1.5 million

5 car brands South Africa’s middle class loves

Toyota and Solid-State Batteries for EVs: Patience Is In Order

Toyota is still greenwashing after change in leadership

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel