Every bakkie built in South Africa – With 2 more on the way

South Africa loves its bakkies, as evidenced by the fact that six different models are assembled here, with two more in the works.

This includes the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mahindra Pik Up, Nissan Navara, and VW Amarok, which are pumped out daily to be sold domestically and shipped to markets around the world.

Toyota has an enormous facility in Prospecton, located on the outskirts of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, which produces the Hilux as well as passenger cars like the Corolla Cross and Corolla Quest.

Mahindra also has a site in Durban, which uses semi-knock-down kits to assemble the Pik Up and is constantly expanding its operation.

Isuzu’s D-Max factory is based in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape, while Ford and Nissan are centred in Gauteng.

Nissan’s home in Rosslyn, Pretoria is still making the Navara bakkie, though it wasn’t that long ago that the location also produced the NP300 Hardbody and compact NP200.

As for Ford and VW, the former has a plant in Silverton, Pretoria that manufactures both the Ranger and the Amarok.

The current-gen Ranger and Amarok were developed in a partnership between the two brands and thus share a platform and engines, making it easier for the vehicles to share an assembly line, too.

Each of these factories represents a multi-billion-rand investment from their respective companies, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth for South Africa.

The good news is another two automakers are planning to add their own bakkies to South Africa’s pool of locally made models – namely Stellantis and Foton.

Starting with Stellantis, the automotive conglomerate is prepping a site in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) outside Gqeberha for a new facility that will create the Peugeot Landtrek bakkie.

The corporation’s goal is to expand its operations in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, and South Africa was chosen as the ideal candidate for a R3-billion investment towards a new manufacturing hub.

Stellantis chose the Landtrek as it believes a double-cab pickup is the most suitable option for MEA markets, and the first locally made units are expected to roll off the line in early 2026.

As for Foton, the Chinese carmaker re-entered South Africa in June with the Tunland G7 bakkie, which it now plans to build here as part of a three-stage expansion into Africa.

Phase one will see the introduction of additional Foton models in our market, while phase two will see the Tunland added to the production portfolio of the BAIC factory in the Eastern Cape also located in the Coega SEZ.

Proudly South African

If you want to buy local, these are your options for a bakkie in South Africa.

Click on the underlined links for more information.

Ford Ranger

• Number of models – 27
• Single cab starting price – R514,800
• Super cab starting price – R526,700
• Double cab starting price – R522,600

Isuzu D-Max

• Number of models – 33
• Single cab starting price – R447,900
• Extended cab starting price – R494,700
• Double cab starting price – R555,900

Mahindra Pik Up

• Number of models – 32
• Single cab starting price – R279,900
• Double cab starting price – R408,999

Nissan Navara

• Number of models – 14
• Single cab starting price – R381,000
• Double cab starting price – R542,400

Toyota Hilux

• Number of models – 45
• Single cab starting price – R361,700
• Xtra cab starting price – R563,200
• Double cab starting price – R528,800

VW Amarok

• Number of models – 13
• Single cab starting price – R587,000
• Double cab starting price – R660,700