Toyota South Africa has joined forces with Barloworld Automotive and Soweto entrepreneur Richard Maponya to establish the first Toyota dealership in the country’s largest township.

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The deal with the Maponya Group is set to take advantage of the rising disposable income of its residents.


“We have long sought a franchise outlet in this important and burgeoning market,” Toyota South Africa chief executive Johan van Zyl said in a statement recently, reports Southafrica.info.


“Soweto has been a long standing ‘open point’ in our dealer network. As the vehicle market has expanded in recent years, the urgency to fill this point with a viable dealership has grown.”


Mr van Zyl said that it was necessary for his company to take its products closer to key markets, so that it could continue to maintain its position as the market leader in the country.

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“We commend Toyota SA for taking the bold step and showing confidence in the market by awarding this opportunity in Soweto,” Mr Maponya said.


According to the statement, the Maponya Group, the largest independent employer in Soweto, is a successful black business organisation with interests in food retailing, fuel retailing, and property development.


Future projects include a 100 000-square metre Motor City investment, of which the Toyota dealership forms the first stage.


“This opportunity will again create jobs and bring investment into Soweto,” Mr Maponya said.


“More importantly, the people of Soweto will now be able to purchase vehicles and get quality after-sales service right at their doorstep.


“This will undoubtedly add to the changing face of Soweto.”