New Toyota is set to make a big appearance at Naamsa AutoWeek 2025 in South Africa, showcasing exciting models including its first electric SUV, the bZ4x. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Toyota, South Africa’s best-selling carmaker, is preparing for a major showcase at Naamsa AutoWeek 2025, scheduled between 1 and 3 October 2025. This event is not just another auto exhibition—it’s one of the most significant gatherings of industry leaders, policymakers, and manufacturers discussing the future of mobility and innovation in South Africa.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) will bring some of its most popular vehicles to the spotlight, alongside a highly anticipated surprise—the debut of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Toyota bZ4x.
Toyota’s Presence at Naamsa AutoWeek
Naamsa AutoWeek is designed to highlight how the automotive industry is evolving towards greener technologies, industrial development, and sustainable solutions. For Toyota, this event is an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to innovation and to show South Africans a glimpse of the company’s future mobility strategy.
TSAM has confirmed that it will display a wide range of vehicles under its Toyota, Lexus, and Hino brands. Familiar favorites such as the Corolla Cross, Lexus RX, and the special-edition Hilux 55 will be present. However, all eyes are expected to be on the bZ4x electric SUV, a model that has been teased for years and is finally stepping into the spotlight.
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Spotlight on the Toyota bZ4x
A Long-Awaited Debut about new Toyota
The Toyota bZ4x is no stranger to the international market, but South Africans have been eagerly waiting for its arrival. Initially planned for an early 2025 debut, the launch was delayed to 2026. Despite this, Toyota is keeping the anticipation alive by showcasing the vehicle at Naamsa AutoWeek.
What We Know So Far
Globally, the bZ4x has been offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants.
- Single motor (FWD): 150 kW output
- Dual motor (AWD): 160 kW combined output (80 kW on each axle)
- Battery: 71.4 kWh
- Range: Up to 460 km per charge
This makes the bZ4x a direct competitor to electric SUVs from BYD, Volvo, and Hyundai, bringing Toyota into the growing EV market in South Africa.
Toyota’s Electric Vehicle Strategy
Toyota has traditionally been cautious about entering the full-electric market. Instead, it has focused heavily on hybrid models, which have performed extremely well. In fact, Toyota holds nearly 67% of South Africa’s new-energy vehicle market, led by models like the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
However, the growing popularity of brands like BYD, Chery, Haval, and Volvo is increasing competition. Vehicles like the Volvo EX30 and BYD Dolphin are already creating strong consumer demand. Toyota’s move to introduce battery electric vehicles is seen as a strategic step to maintain its market dominance.
According to TSAM CEO Andrew Kirby, Toyota plans to launch three BEVs in South Africa by early 2026, signaling a new chapter in the company’s history.
Why This Matters for South Africa
The debut of the bZ4x in South Africa represents more than just a new model launch. It’s a sign of the country’s transition towards cleaner mobility solutions. With government policies and industry investments focusing on carbon neutrality and sustainable energy, Toyota’s entry into the EV space aligns with both global and local priorities.
South African consumers can expect:
- More variety in EV options
- Increased competition, leading to better pricing
- A push for charging infrastructure development
- Sustainable mobility choices for everyday driving
Conclusion about new Toyota
Toyota’s participation in Naamsa AutoWeek 2025 is a milestone moment. With popular models like the Corolla Cross and Hilux on display and the bZ4x electric SUV stealing the spotlight, Toyota is ready to prove that it is prepared for the future of mobility.
As the company gears up for its first BEV launches in 2026, South Africans can look forward to a new era of innovation, sustainability, and performance.
Stay tuned as Toyota reveals more details about the bZ4x and its upcoming electric lineup at Naamsa AutoWeek later this week.