President Cyril Ramaphosa says the new line of vehicles from Japanese auto manufacturing giant, Toyota, will assist the country in its efforts to transition towards a green economy. Ramaphosa unveiled the newly-launched production line of new vehicles including a hybrid model at Prospecton south of Durban today.
The government says it is taking the country forward in efforts to reduce its carbon emissions.
It operates on both fuel and battery support.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa has identified three key priorities in responding to the impact of climate change.
“We have called on leaders of developed economies to support South Africa’s efforts to green our economy and to address our very ambitious climate change goals through equally ambitious grant and concessional funding support. We have identified three key priorities for climate action, for Eskom to reduce its carbon emissions for electric vehicles to be produced here in South Africa and for the green hydrogen economy to be fast-tracked locally.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the launch of the Corolla Cross range:
President @CyrilRamaphosa tours the Toyota South Africa production plant, accompanied by Minister Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry & Competition, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala of KwaZulu-Natal Province and eThekwini Mayor Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda and CEO Andrew Kirkby #InvestSA 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/O4DG2xxbmJ
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) October 26, 2021
Investor confidence issues after unrest
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala was also at the launch. He thanked the company for not pulling out its investments into the province, following July’s civil unrest. The company had voiced its concerns around investor confidence.
At the time, Zikalala travelled to Johannesburg where he met with several ambassadors to reassure them of stability following the chaotic and violent scenes of mass looting and destruction to business.
“Global emergency of climate change calls on all countries and nations to adopt technology that uses sources of energy that are environmentally friendly, clean and renewable. This hybrid electric car is a giant step towards a future that is carbon neutral. We are committed to secure.”
New jobs created
Chief Executive Officer of Toyota South Africa Motors, Andrew Kirby, says the new production line has so far created five-hundred-and 75 new jobs
“One of our main focuses is also to improve the profession of our employees. The production of these vehicles has created 575 new jobs and many other jobs. We have many individuals and leaders who are incredible who did a marvellous job. We are grateful to all of them.”
The automotive giant says hybrid technology can only become successful with the government’s support. The new line will be exported to 40 countries.
