Toyota plans to introduce three battery electric models in South Africa in 2026, a senior company executive said on Thursday, marking the Japanese automaker’s entry into a nascent market where Chinese and European rivals are stepping up competition.
Volvo currently leads electric vehicle (EV) sales in South Africa, followed by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, while Chinese manufacturers such as BYD are rapidly increasing their footprint. Toyota, which dominates the country’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid market with a 67% share in 2024, currently only sells hybrid models locally, including the Corolla Cross.
“We’re launching battery electric vehicles at the beginning of 2026, so we will have three new battery electric vehicles,” Toyota South Africa CEO Andrew Kirby told Reuters on the sidelines of an automotive components conference, without providing further details. He added that the company sees a long-term role for a range of powertrains, including internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles and potentially carbon-neutral combustion engines.
South Africa’s EV adoption has been held back by low incomes, high import duties, unreliable electricity supply and limited charging infrastructure. Kirby said competition from Chinese EV makers is welcome but acknowledged it presents “a big challenge” for Toyota, requiring a swift and strategic response.
The country’s automotive sector faces flat production volumes, declining local content and rising imports, prompting major manufacturers — including Toyota, BMW, Isuzu and Volkswagen — to present a joint policy proposal to the trade and industry ministry. According to Kirby, the recommendations include changes to taxation and a restructuring of the rebate system, with hopes for short-term interventions within six months.
Toyota produces vehicles in South Africa but plans to import its first fully electric models before considering local manufacturing.
Source: Reuters
