vehicle exports from Durban to Europe increase
11 July 2007
Tokyo, Japan: KwaZulu-Natal's economy is set to receive another major boost
as from the beginning of next year (2008) when Toyota South Africa, based at
Prospecton in Durban, will export their locally produced Toyota Corollas to
Europe.
At a meeting at Toyota offices in Tokyo, Japan today (11 July 2007), between
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele and Mr Katsuhiro (Kats) Nakagawa, Vice
Chairman and Member of the Board of Toyota Motor Corporation, Mr Nakagawa said
that from the beginning of 2008, Toyota South Africa will produce Toyota
Corollas that will be exported to Europe.
"Toyota is determined to produce more vehicles in South Africa that can be
exported to other countries. Approximately 60 Japanese engineers have been sent
to South Africa to assist. The exporting of vehicles from South Africa to other
countries is very important for the South African economy. The automotive
industry is also important for the development of South Africa.
"We would also like to see an increased presence of Japanese automotive
parts suppliers in South Africa as South Africa is the gateway to the rest of
Africa. We want to make our South African plant more competitive compared to
Toyota plants in other countries. However, in order to make Toyota South Africa
more effective and competitive, training is key. If we skill more workers, more
automotive parts supplier companies will come to South Africa.
"We therefore have a plan to establish a Toyota Training School in South
Africa in order to train and skill our workers. The establishment of a Toyota
Training Academy in South Africa is of paramount importance so that we are able
to maintain consistent quality. The Toyota Production System based on same
quality all around the world is important," said Mr Nakagawa.
"We want to listen to the voice of our workers to be able to produce more
vehicles, more effectively and efficiently. Training, development and education
of our work force must be intensified.
"The production of the new Toyota Corolla in South Africa is going very well
and will be launched in South Africa in August this year (2007). However, we
are working hard to try and introduce new models of Toyota to be produced in
South Africa as well," Mr Nakagawa said.
Premier Ndebele said that the confidence that Toyota has in South Africa and
particularly KwaZulu-Natal is appreciated. "We appreciate the new investment of
more than R4 billion at the plant at Prospecton in Durban. However, we would
like to see Toyota producing other automotive components in KwaZulu-Natal as
well. We would welcome the development of an Automotive Supplier Park in
KwaZulu-Natal," said Premier Ndebele.
The Premier said that there is a need to accelerate the training of the
present as well as the future work force. "Training is important - not just
with regards to the production of vehicles but also vehicle components. For
example, leather and other such vehicle components should be sourced more from
South Africa.
"Continuous training is extremely important. We have to train all the time.
For the market in South Africa, the market in Africa and the market elsewhere,
training is important."
"Previously, for more than 30 years our workers in South Africa did not
progress but this has changed now. With training, determination and hard work,
workers are now able to speedily move up the corporate ladder.
"Together with technikons, universities and other academic institutions we
can achieve proper training. Therefore, we must go for a stronger partnership,"
Premier Ndebele said.
Premier Ndebele also met with the Vice Governor of Tokyo, Mr Kenji Tanigawa.
Tokyo hosted the 2002 FIFA Soccer World Cup and is also presently an applicant
city for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Premier Ndebele also had a meeting with the Vice Minister of Japan's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Masayoshi Hamada.
Premier Ndebele is presently in Japan leading a KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
delegation on a study tour of Japan.
The main objectives of the visit is to strengthen economic ties, study
Japan's waste management and tea production initiatives as well as promote
co-operation in areas of joint interest between KwaZulu-Natal and certain
prefectures in Japan.
For further information, please contact:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
Cell: 0081 80 1382 7328
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
11 July 2007
Source: SAPA
