Earlier this year, the KZN region was blindsided by severe flooding that claimed the lives of many and left the area in a state of disarray. Businesses, homes, landmarks and many more were ravaged by the torrential downpour and subsequent flooding. Of the many affected, Toyota’s Prospection plant was rendered inoperable after being completely submerged, but now – months later – the plant has been reopened.
Harrowing footage of a sunken production plant surfaced on various platforms amidst the raging storms depicting hundreds of Toyota’s vehicles submerged in the flood waters. Reports issued by the Toyota South Africa Motors(TSAM) organisation have identified more than 4000 vehicles that were damaged, as a result of the flooding.
TSAM reports that in the following months after the flooding in April, the market shares shrunk from an average of 30% to 17% to 16.3% in July however, they still managed to maintain the number one sales position in South Africa. Stifled by Covid-19 lockdowns the year before and followed by the severe flooding, the Prospection plant and TSAM have needed to regain a proper footing.
Although the unforeseen events may have inadvertently caused a rise in pressure for the Prospection plant team, TSAM says that the safety and wellbeing of their employees were paramount. TSAM president and CEO Andrew Kirby echoed this sentiment by stating, “We communicated with Japan (Toyota Motor Corporation) on the night of the 12th April; I very quickly got a message back of support and an offer from them to do whatever they could to help.”
At present all production lines involved with Toyota products such as Crolla Cross, Hilux, Hiace, Fortuner, and Quest are fully operational at the Prospection plant.
“Despite these challenges, there was no impact at all to Toyota’s long-term future in South Africa. The commitment to rebuild this site has been incredible. We know that our recovery will not be smooth, but by next year we plan to be stronger and better than we were before.”
