Johan van Zyl has been appointed CEO of Toyota’s operations across Africa, one of two non-Japanese executives now tasked with heading a region, along with Jim Lentz in the US.

It is a demonstration of the Japanese company’s need to be seen as a global company and to combat the challenge from Volkswagen and General Motors in the US and China, as well as Chinese vehicles which are gaining a foothold in Africa.

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Van Zyl will report to Toyota executive vice-president Yasumori Ihara’s office and he will remain as president and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors. He said that his appointment also showed a commitment to further growth in African markets.

As part of his new role, van Zyl will take control of product planning, production and sales on the continent.

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