Local is lekker for SA’s favourite minibus

With 15 million South Africans making use of minibus taxis every day (60 to 70 percent of the commuting public), and with an 80-percent market share of this segment, it’s little wonder Toyota has switched to full local production of its Quantum-based Ses’fikile.

A Quantum/Ses’fikile assembly plant was opened at Toyota South Africa’s production facility in Prospecton, Durban, during 2012.

Now, a fully operational production plant, with weld, assembly and paint facilities, as well as a full logistics operation, is facilitating the complete local production of the Ses’fikile.
   
“With over R550 million invested in the Quantum plant to date, it certainly underlines Toyota’s confidence in this country. This sizeable investment shows that Toyota is committed to development in the taxi industry and to continue its contribution to the country as a whole,” said Johan van Zyl, CEO of Toyota Europe and Africa Region.
   
An additional R24 million was invested with suppliers for development of parts and tooling, while a further R71-million investment was made by suppliers to upgrade their facilities.
   
The new Quantum plant has created of over 260 new jobs, raising the full Quantum staff complement to over 300, while 165 jobs were created at supplier level. R11 million was invested in improving staff skills at the plant.
   
Toyota has been importing and manufacturing taxis in South Africa since 1967.