Toyota Tsusho launches skills building programme for refugees in collaboration with UNHCR in Uganda - First collaboration of its kind between UNHCR and a Japanese company to provide refugees in Africa with practical skills in the automotive industry -
Toyota Tsusho Corporation (“Toyota Tsusho”) announced today that it is collaborating with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and group company CFAO Motors Uganda on a new project which aims to provide refugees in Uganda with training on vehicle mechanics . This initiative will start in April 2022. It is the first collaboration of its kind between UNHCR and a Japanese company to provide refugees with practical skills in the automobile industry. The programme is expected to improve the refugee trainees’ livelihoods opportunities and thus contribute to self-reliance of refugee communities.
Promoting refugee self-reliance is a pressing issue in Africa, as refugees in the continent still face considerable barriers in this area. They are often unable to access quality training, employment, or financial services, and have limited opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Uganda hosts the greatest number of refugees in Africa. As of 31 January 2022, Uganda hosts almost 1.6 million displaced persons, of which over 59% are under the age of 18.
So far, Toyota Tsusho has supported skills development in Africa through programs tailored to target the social issues of each country and the opening of training centers. For this new project, the company is collaborating with UNHCR to support its mission to provide solutions for displaced communities. The project aims to provide training to refugees in Uganda to develop their skills on vehicle mechanics. This project aims to encourage self-reliance of refugees, thus easing the pressure on Uganda as a refugee-hosting country and contributing to the economic development of both refugee and host communities
Based on the “WITH AFRICA FOR AFRICA” philosophy, the Toyota Tsusho Group seeks to grow with the people and communities of Africa while further reinforcing and expanding business foundations. The Group will look beyond business creation to contribute to the autonomous growth of the continent through proactive measures to develop human resources and make social contributions.
About UNHCR:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance that includes shelter, food and water, as well as help safeguard fundamental human rights. We also develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future and work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality.
Pictures of the training image to develop vehicle mechanics.
Refrigerated Vaccine Transport Vehicle (RVTV) for Last One Mile Delivery
Gavi launched the COVID-19 vaccine Delivery Support (CDS) funding window up to USD 400 million. Please refer to “COVAX AMC APPLICATION DOCUMENTS” on their web https://www.gavi.org/gavi-covax-amc
On the 16 page of CDS Needs Based Funding Window Programme Funding Guidelines, cold vehicles which meet PQS standards are classified as an eligible item. Please refer to our leaflet “How to Use RVTV Suitable for Last One Mile Delivery”.
Click here for more information ↓
Hiace SKD Production Starts in Kenya
Toyota Tsusho Corporation ("Toyota Tsusho"), acting through Toyota Kenya Limited ("TKEN"), began SKD* production of the Toyota Hiace at Associated Vehicle Assemblers Ltd. ("AVA"), a vehicle production contractor, using parts supplied by Toyota Motor Corporation ("Toyota"), on November 9, 2021. The planned Hiace annual production volume is 500 units. Investment associated with the addition of the Hiace as a production model was approximately US$600,000 (equivalent to approximately 70 million yen; including equipment, tools, and training of assembly personnel).
The Hiace vehicles to be produced will be used as matatu, privately-owned minibuses operated in Kenya. Under the "With Africa For Africa" philosophy, which seeks to achieve growth with the African people and African society, the Hiace will be produced locally to provide safe and secure means of public transportation in Africa.
In conjunction with the local production of the Hiace, provision of the MaaS Package, which is intended to enhance the quality of bus services, also started. This package uses a service provided by Data Integrated Limited, which develops and provides operational management systems for bus transportation operators, and is expected to improve bus operation information. Toyota Tsusho invested in Data Integrated through Mobility 54 Investment SAS.
A ceremony marking the start of Hiace production was held at the AVA Mombasa Plant from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (local time; 4:00–7:00 p.m. Japan time) on December 15. Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Betty C. Maina, attended the ceremony, at which President Keiji Masui of Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. and President Ichiro Kashitani of Toyota Tsusho presented messages via video, conveying their commitment to contributing to Kenya’s further development through production of the Hiace.
* Abbreviation for semi knock down. Unlike completely knocked down (CKD) production, the welded and painted auto bodies are imported, and the main parts are installed on the body and chassis locally. Only relatively simply assembly work is performed.
Toyota Rumion – Toyota's New Compact MPV
Toyota will start the sales of the Toyota Rumion, a new compact MPV model, launching from October in Africa.
Toyota Rumion (High grade is shown)
The Positioning
The Toyota Rumion is newly added to further strengthen Toyota’s compact lineup, in order to meet the growing needs for the African market. As a roomy seven seater, the Toyota Rumion specifically caters to the evolving needs of customers in the smaller MPV segment.
Exterior Design
The exterior design has a tough appearance matched with elegance, which gives you the confidence and pleasure to drive.
- The “Strong and Elegant” concept is shown in the robust character and elegant smooth flow in the exterior design.
- The front design of the Toyota Rumion employs a trapezoidal radiator grille, with the familiar three-horizontal-slat design and centrally-mounted Toyota ellipse.
- In the rear, large vertical LED tail lamps with L-shaped lens extensions create a squared off look.
Interior Design
The interior has elegant styling, packaged with convenience and an abundance of space.
- The interior is finished in black textile trim with a silver and brown textured grain accent.
- Equipped with a three-spoke urethane steering wheel, and 60/40 folding second row of seats. The cabin is provided with electric windows, tilt-adjustable steering column and air-conditioner.
Engine & Transmission
The new comer is secured with a four-cylinder petrol engine, which is highly responsive and brings joys to driving.
- The 1.5L K15B engine is not only efficient but also ensures ease of driving.
- The Toyota Rumion offers two transmission types, a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic (grade dependent).
- The lightweight, highly rigid body also boasts excellent aerodynamic performance.
Safety & Security
Ensuring peace of mind, the Toyota Rumion offers safety equipment standard on all models.
- All grades come standard with both driver and passenger airbags.
- The Toyota Rumion offers ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) accompanied by EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) ensuring you are supported when you need it most.
- An immobilizer and alarm are also included across the board.
Toyota offers a Special Extended Warranty for the Toyota Rumion of 5 years or 150 thousand km whichever comes first*.
For details of grade, specification, and price, please kindly contact the distributor in your country.
*Contents of warranty may depend on country. Please kindly contact the distributor in
your country.
Corolla cross Line-off Ceremony was held for our first local production for Hybrid Electric Vehicle in African region at Toyota South Africa
The Corolla Cross Line-off Ceremony was held at manufacturing plant of TOYOTA South Africa Motors (Pty) Ltd (TSAM) in Durban.
TSAM hosted the president of South Africa, Mr. Ramaphosa, and the Minister of Trade, Industry & Competition of South Africa, Mr. Patel.
This will be Toyota’s first local production of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) in African region and we achieved a major step forward in Carbon neutrality with South Africa together.
Also, the introduction of the Corolla Cross and corolla Cross (HEV) has generated a total of 575 new jobs at the TSAM plant while over 1200 direct jobs were created in the component supply base.
The president Mr. Rmaphosa expressed maximum appreciation and expectation for start of production of new model including HEV even in tough situation of Covid19 and shown that government will do utmost to support this new challenge.
