Latest news with #AndrewKirby
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
‘New' Toyota Hilux spied again as reported 2026 debuts gets closer
Based on the latest and previous images, the Hilux won't be an all-new model, but reportedly the most extensive update handed to the current generation. 'Next generation' Toyota Hilux has been spied, once again, ahead of its reported world debut in 2026. Image: Toyota With little having emerged since the uncovering of first spy images back in January, the incoming 'next generation' Toyota Hilux has made its second appearance ahead of its supposed unveiling in 2026. Not entire new Spotted undergoing testing in Thailand where principle production takes place, the series of images, posted on social media on Wednesday (25 June), shows the still heavily disguised Hilux sporting what appears to be new headlights and a restyled grille, as well as a new front bumper. ALSO READ: This is it: 'New' Toyota Hilux emerges in first spy images At the rear, new vertical taillights clusters, seemingly identical to those of the Volkswagen Amarok, feature, along with what appears to be a new bumper with an integrated step. Same same Set to adopt the Hilux Travo name in Thailand based on the discovery of a trademark submission at the beginning of the year, the latest images by the Kurdistan_Automotive_Blog on Instagram, doesn't provide any technical details of what is believed to be another facelift of the current AN110 Hilux than a completely new model. Sporting the same silhouette as the AN110 that debuted a decade ago, the apparent most extensive refresh in its prolonged lifecycle is unlikely to result in any new powertrains, meaning the retention of the venerable 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine possibly with and without the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Set to remain on the IMV platform rather than moving to the TNGA-F that underpins the Land Cruiser Prado, Land Cruiser 300, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, Lexus GX and LX, reports from Australia have, however, alleged that the Hilux could possibly receive the eight-speed automatic from the former, though this remains unconfirmed at present. Possible changes Its foundation, currently also used by the Fortuner and Hilux Champ/Rangga likely to be updated, the Hilux's interior will suggestively also undergo a series of revisions to offset its age, of which the exact extent remains unclear. Current AN110 generation Hilux has been on-sale globally since 2015. Image: Toyota Speculatively, these are likely to consist of upgraded materials, a new dashboard housing a bigger infotainment display, and possibly a fully digital instrument cluster on higher-end derivatives. More before 2026? '[Hilux] is extremely important to us as a business and a company. It is the most important vehicle we manufacture and sell… it is our core model,' Toyota South Africa Motors President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, told The Citizen on the sidelines of the Land Cruiser Prado's launch in Mozambique last year. '[The next generation] will have exciting features and upgrades I think our customers will enjoy,'. Rumoured back in 2023 as being inline for unveiling in 2025, expectations are that the Hilux will possibly debut early next year before arriving in key markets throughout 2026. Despite no clear details being known at present, expect more, and additional spy images, to emerge throughout the remainder of the year. NOW READ: Longer wait: Next Toyota Hilux and Fortuner now only due in 2026
IOL News
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal DOT assembles legal team for Tokio Marine lawsuit over flood damages
The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, met with Andrew Kirby, the president and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors. Image: Supplied The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (DOT) is assembling a strong team of legal minds to guide them on a lawsuit instituted by insurance company Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. The Japan-based insurance company has sued the eThekwini Municipality, Transnet SOC Limited, and the DOT in respect of the April 2022 floods, which affected Toyota South Africa Motors (Pty) Ltd (TSAM), based in Prospecton. In court papers, it is stated that the three organisations had failed in their duty to maintain infrastructure and should have known that neglecting such responsibilities could lead to flooding. During the April floods, the structural integrity of the Umlaas Canal and the diversion berm was compromised, leading to stormwater flowing into the Prospecton Industrial Area, where the Toyota plant is situated, causing extensive flooding and damage, as read in the court papers. It stated that Transnet owned the Umlaas Canal and was responsible for its management and maintenance, as well as the flood risk associated with it. The concrete-lined canal is intended to channel and divert the uMlazi River around the Prospecton Industrial Area. Together with the diversion berm, it forms an integral part of the flood control and prevention mechanism for the Prospecton Industrial Area, it further stated. It said the DOT was responsible for the management and maintenance of the diversion berm, while the municipality owned, managed, and was responsible for the maintenance and control of the stormwater management system for the Prospecton Industrial Area. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Tasneem Lorgat, the general manager, Marketing Communications for Toyota, stated that TSAM submitted its insurance claim to Tokio Marine in respect of the floods. Lorgat stated that the flood affected TSAM's manufacturing operations. She said the litigation proceedings are not being facilitated and/or funded by TSAM. Accordingly, TSAM will not benefit in any way from the subrogated recovery action against these entities. She said upon learning of the impending recovery litigation, TSAM undertook, with the consent of Tokio Marine, to engage with each of the defendants to advise them of the impending subrogated recovery action. The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said that he had spoken with Andrew Kirby, the president and CEO of TSAM, on Friday. Duma stated that the department is consulting with lawyers and could not get into the legal technicalities and details of the processes that will unfold. 'Kirby has emphasised his commitment to work with us to build this province. We have agreed to sustain our relationship that has evolved over the years. We have agreed that nothing should come between us and this enduring relationship,' Duma said. eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said the municipality was aware of the court action and had filed a notice to defend. An eThekwini Municipality finance committee report, in April 2025, stated that the municipality is actively working on improving critical infrastructure and water supply systems, particularly in the Toyota and South African Breweries (SAB) precincts, south of Durban, to mitigate future disruptions and demonstrate accountability In a municipal report, a suggestion was made to explore the possibility of relocating TSAM from its current location, which is situated in a flood-prone area in Prospecton, and that the current weather conditions pose significant risks to the company's operations. According to the report, relocating to another area within the eThekwini municipal region should be considered to mitigate potential long-term impacts, including huge job losses. Refilwe Ramatlhodi Ndhlovu, manager of corporate communications at TSAM, indicated that TSAM has no plans to relocate its manufacturing operations and remains invested in the community and investments made at the plant. Andre Beetge, DA Ward 97 councillor and Executive Committee member (Exco), stated that TSAM plays an important role within the southern economy. He said TSAM also creates job opportunities, and one must take into account the ancillaries that find themselves directly reliant on the existence and location of this 'anchor' manufacturer.
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota's Japanese insurer files R6.5b lawsuit against KZN government
TOYOTA South Africa Motors' (TSAM) Japan-based insurer, Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd, is suing the KZN Department of Transport (DoT), Transnet and the eThekwini Municipality for R6.5b for the unprecedented damages faced by Toyota's Prospecton branch following the devastating April 2022 floods. Also read: Floods hit Prospecton industries hard The insurer filed a summons in the Durban High Court against the three defendants, with the plaintiff's court papers stating the defendants had failed in their duties of maintaining the key infrastructure meant to safeguard the Prospecton Industrial Area from flooding. It is stated within court papers that Transnet owned the Umlaas Canal and was therefore responsible for its maintenance, management, and responsible handling of the flood risk associated with it. The canal, which is lined with concrete, channels and diverts the Umlazi river around the Prospecton Industrial Area. Together with the diversion berm, which falls on the Department of Transport to maintain and manage, it forms a vital part of the flood control and prevention for the area. In addition, it states responsibility for the stormwater management system falls on the eThekwini Municipality. 'As a result of these failures, Toyota was compelled to engage various contractors to repair the damage caused by the flooding and hired specialist engineers to repair the structural damage to the premises, as well as damage to electrical installations, plumbing, air-conditioning and assembly systems,' it said. The damages, which amounted to over R6.5b, included almost R4.5b for the costs incurred during the repair and reinstatement of the premises and property, and over R2b for the losses incurred during business interruption. Also read: KZN floods listed in top 10 costliest climate disasters of 2022 MEC of the KZN DoT, Siboniso Duma, engaged with president and CEO of TSAM, Andrew Kirby on June 20. He said, 'We have agreed to sustain our relationship. We will do that in the interest of the people of KZN and the whole country. Over the years, we have worked well with Kirby and executive vice president of TSAM, Nigel Ward, manufacturing, and Toyota. We agreed that nothing should come between us and this enduring relationship. The current litigation is not being facilitated or funded by TSAM, and it does not benefit in any way from the subrogated recovery action against us. We have no doubt that Toyota will continue to be the most preferred brand in the country. One cannot over emphasise the contribution the motor car industry had made to our economy.' eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the municipality was aware of the court action and had filed a notice to defend. Transnet's media desk issued a brief response, saying it is aware of the litigation initiated by Toyota insurers and has filed a notice to defend. It further stated that given the early stages of the case, it would be premature to offer further substantiation. The April 2022 floods Following the trail of carnage left by the April 2022 floods, heavy rainfall and landslides in KZN, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster. Toyota's Prospecton plant was ravaged by the floods, and the business was left with around 4300 flood-damaged vehicles, nearly 90% of the cars on site. The automotive giant reported that over 100 000 new equipment parts needed replacing. Astonishingly, after three months of intense repairs and support from the company's Japanese head office, production resumed in August 2022. Following this, TSAM invested over R200m to prevent disasters of similar magnitude going forward, and over R100m was dedicated to establishing monitoring and maintenance systems to proactively guard against water ingress. These included an early-warning weather monitoring system, construction of perimeter canals, and significant upgrades to the site's stormwater network. An additional R128m was spent on internal interventions to protect the facility even if external systems failed. These included bund walls around critical infrastructure and raised doorways to reduce vulnerability to flooding. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Sued for R6.5 billion by Toyota insurer, KZN transport builds legal team
The floods caused Toyota to pause production for four months, resulting in a R6.5 billion loss. The KwaZulu-Natal department of transport is assembling a legal team to navigate the R6.5 billion lawsuit filed by Toyota insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance in the Durban High Court over the 2022 floods. The floods caused significant damage at the Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) vehicle assembly plant in Prospecton, Durban. Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance is claiming that the damage caused by the floods was due to negligence of the infrastructure. For this, the insurer is suing KZN transport, eThekwini municipality and Transnet SOC Limited. ALSO READ: Toyota SA says employees won't lose jobs as operations begin after KZN floods Toyota floods The floods damaged the plant, forcing Toyota to pause production for four months, which allegedly resulted in the company incurring R6.5 billion in costs – R4.5 billion for repairs and R2 billion for business interruption. MEC for transport and human settlements Siboniso Duma told journalists at a media briefing on Friday that he had engaged with Andrew Kirby, president and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, regarding the lawsuit and was assured that the lawsuit was not brought by Toyota, but by the insurer. 'For the record, in our engagement with Andrew Kirby, he pointed out that the litigation proceedings against the department of transport, eThekwini municipality and Transnet SOC Limited are not being facilitated and/or funded by Toyota South Africa Motors.' Damage caused by the 2022 Durban floods at Toyota. Picture: X/Hein_The_Slayer Toyota not to benefit Duma said he was told that Toyota will not benefit in any way from the subrogated recovery action against the three parties being sued. 'At this stage, we wish to announce that we are assembling a strong team of legal minds to guide us on this lawsuit instituted by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance. Therefore, we will not get into the legal technicalities and details of processes that will unfold.' At the time of the damage, the parent company of Toyota SA called the incident 'the most comprehensive damage to one of our global production facilities as a result of a natural disaster'. More lawsuits on the way Craig Woolley, from Norton Rose Fulbright SA, representing the insurance company, said that more companies in the Prospecton area are taking legal action for damage caused by the floods. The lawsuit states that by failing to maintain waterways and drainage systems that carried the floodwater, the defendants are responsible. Damage caused by the 2022 Durban floods at Toyota. Picture: X/Hein_The_Slayer ALSO READ: Hundreds of Toyotas destroyed, 500 survive the floods at Prospecton plant How the parties bear responsibility The lawsuit details how the three parties are to be blamed for the floods. 'During the April floods, the structural integrity of the Umlaas canal and the diversion berm was compromised, leading to stormwater flowing into the Prospecton industrial area where the Toyota plant is situated, causing extensive flooding and damage. 'Transnet owned the Umlaas canal and was responsible for its management, maintenance and the associated flood risk. The concrete-lined canal is intended to channel and divert the uMlazi river around the Prospecton industrial area. Together with the diversion berm, it forms an integral part of the flood control and prevention mechanism for the Prospecton industrial area. 'The Department of Transport was responsible for the management and maintenance of the diversion berm, while the municipality owned, managed, and was responsible for the maintenance and control of the stormwater management system for the Prospecton Industrial Area.' Toyota shares its point of view The Prospecton plant builds the Hilux bakkie, Fortuner SUV, Quest and Corolla Cross cars, as well as HiAce minibuses and Hino trucks and buses. About half of the production is exported, mainly to Europe. NOW READ: KZN flood damage to dent auto industry's contribution to economy
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Swimming mole captured by Somerset photographer
A wildlife photographer has captured something he had never seen before - a swimming Kirby, from Glastonbury, was having some lunch at the Catcott Nature Reserve on the Somerset Levels when he saw the underground-dwelling mammal splashing took out his camera to capture the creature taking a dip, much to the excitement of those in the hide with Mammal Society said that, while it is not unusual for moles to swim, it is rare to see them doing so, due to their subterranean living habits. Mr Kirby, who volunteers at a number of wildflife organisations in Somerset, said he saw a "thing moving in the water" out of the corner of his eye. "I thought 'what on Earth is that?', and it looked like a fish flapping away, so I swung my camera around and got it into focus - and it was a mole!"A mole in the water - never seen one swimming before," he Kirby said the animal swam around 26m (85ft) to the bank and then disappeared into the photographer shared his images online that evening and said thousands of people saw his posts. According to the Mammal Society, moles are "competent swimmers", but most people will never see one in the water, or even above ground, due to where they Larsen-Daw, chief executive of the organisation, said: "Their powerful forearms are very well adapted for digging through soil but they can also do a mean breaststroke, powering through water at a fair pace."They are masters of irrigation in the event of a flood, blocking flooding tunnels and building secondary tunnels to escape flooded systems."The society is asking members of the public to map moles on its app, saying they are "ecologically important" creatures.
