South Africa’s love affair with Toyota spans 60 years. That is quite a legacy. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about bakkies, economic sedans, popular hatchbacks, family SUVs or hybrids – Toyota has a voice at the table and has taken us many places since 1961. Its original slogan, “Everything keeps going right, Toyota,” is part of our local lingo and this much-loved brand is also part of our collective story.
But what has given Toyota its staying power in a country that has seen so much change over the past 60 years? The answer is simple: “Built to last, created to perform and designed for life, the Toyota brand stands for ensuring value, safety and quality wherever your adventures take you.”
Commitment to these brand pillars has seen Toyota models holding their value in the second-hand market and being part of the shortlist when buying new or used cars or bakkies. (So, if you are looking to sell your much-loved Toyota, make sure you choose a car selling platform where you will realise the best deal possible).
Looking back
The Toyota brand and vehicle offering are part of our national culture, rallying many changes in South Africa since its arrival in 1961 – the heart of the Apartheid era. Memories are bound up in the brand as it has accompanied us on the highs and lows of our historical journey; riding the waves of political unrest, celebrating Madiba’s leadership of the new South Africa, bringing us together at sports games and witnessing much of our everyday ups and downs, tears and laughter.
From the 1961 Toyota Stout, the 1966 Corona, the 1970 iconic Hilux or the 1975 1st generation Corolla, the development of Toyota’s models to suit South Africans’ lifestyles and budgets has earned it a proud reputation – in the automotive industry as well as in our lives. And let’s not forget Toyota going green and pioneering the first hybrid vehicle in SA in the form of the Prius around 2005.
If you have never owned one, you certainly know someone who has or you have taken a ride in one (thanks to the convenience of an Uber service offering).
Looking forward
“Let’s go places” is Toyota’s inclusive slogan that resonates with our South African psyche. A forward-thinking marketing strategy has evolved without compromising its values, design engineering or safety offering. And as we enter the next chapter of Toyota’s story in South Africa, there is much to anticipate.
Toyota’s next level strategy includes the continued building of hybrid cars at its manufacturing plant in Durban and is on track in the production of its first “hybrid synergy drive” (petrol-electric) car.
Its cutting edge green technology is going further and making bold inroads with the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV which is hoping to launch in the next few years – (‘bZ’ is the acronym for ‘beyond zero).’ The bZ4X is based on its concept car, and this is Toyota’s welcome entry into the automotive space of achieving zero carbon emissions and striving for carbon neutrality.
If you are looking to sell your used car and upgrade to a new Toyota in 2022, then keep a lookout for the following options:
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The Toyota GR86 – A lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe.
- The Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX – A powerful offering with a petrol engine partnered with an electric motor.
- The Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XS – This flagship model has a petrol engine with a hybrid battery.
- The Toyota Corolla Quest – A popular player in the C-segment sedan market and the range includes the Plus, Prestige and Exclusive.
- The Toyota Hilux GR-S – The much-loved bakkie gets some exciting tweaks and updates.
Of course, to get your hands on any of these, you will probably need to sell your current car or bakkie. Choose an online car selling platform where you will get multiple competitive offers from serious pre-approved buyers that will guarantee you the best deal possible for your second-hand vehicle.
We wish Toyota all the best for the next 60 years in South Africa. May everything keep going right!
[Featured image source: https://www.facebook.com/toyotasouthafrica/photos/a.440264826784/10155436539026785]
