Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has resumed production of almost all of its models following the suspension of production in April due to the KZN floods.
Due to significant damage caused by the province’s flood, the Prospecton plant in Durban had to halt operations on April 12.
President and CEO of Toyota SA Motors Andrew Kirby announced the news on Thursday, July 28.
Kirby stated that they are eager to increase their production volumes even though it has felt like a “eternity” since production was halted.
We will do everything we can to try and fill those back orders as quickly as we can, but we are very eager to increase our production volumes and, of course, are very aware that our customers have been waiting for quite a long time, Kirby said.
What is the cost of the plant’s damages?
He said it is challenging to estimate the cost of the damages but that it is in the billions.
According to Kirby, Toyota SA Motors is covered for equipment replacement and some interruptions to business continuity; however, this represents a relatively small portion of the overall cost.
Toyota chose to source what it could from all over the world rather than replacing everything that was harmed by the mud and flooding, according to The Citizen.
“Our production doesn’t ramp up right away to full capacity. Over the next eight weeks, we will gradually ramp up, then pick up speed.
Even though the lines will be operational and we will have a sizable volume, it won’t be quite where we want it to be.
At the end of September, Kirby stated, “We will be back at the same volume as before the flood, and we will obviously do everything we can to address the [vehicle supply] backlog.
Damage from the KZN floods causes a “short-term” delay in Toyota vehicle orders.
It was previously reported that Toyota SA Motors (TSAMProspecton, )’s Durban, facility sustained significant damage.
The fulfilment of orders for the Hilux, Fortuner, Corolla Cross, and Quest vehicles has been hindered by the KZN floods.
While there will be a short-term impact on local vehicle deliveries, plans have been made to expedite current orders.
Senior Vice-President of TSAM Leon Theron expressed gratitude to the public for their endurance.
He clarified that regular import model orders would still be accepted.
Toyota SA Motors claims that it is reopening its Prospecton-based plant in accordance with a methodical and rigorous staged plan.
They intend to guarantee a secure launch that won’t lead to any potential side effects.