Riots LATEST: Toyota to start up production in Durban on Tuesday
Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed that it is not going anywhere but will be working with the government to rebuild the economy.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has confirmed that its manufacturing plant South of Durban was not hit during the riots and looting of the past week.
TSAM said in a statement released on Monday that the plant, which has been closed since the onset of the unrest last week, was scheduled to being production again on Tuesday 20 July.
“Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) would like to clarify its position regarding the letter that was issued by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) to the Mayor’s office (eThekwini) on Thursday, 15 July 2021,” TSAM said in the statement.
In the leaked letter which was shared on social media, the firm had raised its concerns regarding the impact of the unrest on production and its plans to meet deadlines to produce new renewable energy powered vehicles and a new Hilux in the city. The plant has remained closed since Monday 12 July following the outbreak of the riots and looting the night before.
Toyota had also raised its concern in the letter regarding the safety of its staff and their local communities while calling on the city’s mayor to provide a plan for the restoration of peace and the rebuilding of the local economy.
“The aim was to voice concern over the future risk of conducting business in KZN and to understand what local and provincial government are doing to address long-term stability issues,” the firm said in the statement.
“Since issuing the letter, TSAM can report that there has been positive engagement with national government in particular and that this has gone a long way to allay the fears and short-term concerns that TMC expressed. TSAM is wholly committed to working with government nationally, regionally and locally (city) in order to successfully create a business roadmap to secure long-term interests,” TSAM said.
“Our plant and ancillary services at the Toyota’s Prospecton facility did not incur any damage due to the unrest situation and will resume operations on Tuesday, 20 July 2021. As of today, all Toyota, Hino and Lexus dealers are open for business.