Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has reaffirmed the enduring popularity of its iconic Hilux, celebrating the largest recorded gathering of Hilux vehicles at the 2026 Nampo Harvest Day.
1 545 Hilux vehicles came together in a remarkable display of brand loyalty officially reclaiming the record for the largest Hilux gathering ever achieved. This milestone sees Toyota surpass the previous benchmark of 1 440 units, reclaiming a title it previously held following an earlier record at Atlantis Dunes in Cape Town.
Commenting on the milestone, Leon Theron, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors says that the record-breaking celebration was an incredibly memorable day. “We set sights on making history and our Hilux community rallied behind us from across South Africa. This event wasn’t just about the record-breaking attempts, it was about honouring the enduring legacy of the Hilux and the strong community that surrounds it.”
Since it’s South African debut in 1969, the locally manufactured Toyota Hilux has become synonymous with durability, dependability and everyday capability. At the historic event, one of the oldest Hilux model dated back to the early 1970s.
Another Hilux had travelled over one million kilometres, a true reflection that the Hilux is indeed built to last. The historic, record-breaking event offered a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with live entertainment, exclusive giveaways and a variety of spot prizes.
To celebrate further, one lucky participant, Hendrik Coetzee, won a brand new, new generation Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab with complimentary insurance and accessories. His selection came as part of a draw open to participants in the world record attempt.
To further amplify the excitement, Toyota also undertook four additional Guinness World Record attempts during the event. These results are currently under adjudication and will be announced once officially confirmed.
“Our customers are our community and their participation reaffirmed that the Hilux is not only a vehicle. It is a legacy that is proudly South African, one that is truly built for generations and built into families, communities and shared moments. To everyone who came out to support us, thank you for being part of Toyota’s local history and the Hilux legacy. We couldn’t have done any of this without you,” Leaon adds.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
A dispute over the payload ratings of Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUVs has developed further following weighbridge testing in Gauteng, with the Automobile Association (AA) questioning some of the results and Jetour South Africa maintaining that its revised figures have been independently verified.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
South African consumers face growing pressure on household finances after the South African Reserve Bank raises interest rates, adding to a range of rising costs that are already influencing vehicle purchasing decisions.
