Bad news for driver’s licence applications, a new Toyota Hilux, and Nissan closing down a 64-year-old factory

These were the five biggest stories in South Africa’s transport industry this week.

Bad news for anyone applying for a new driver’s licence card in South Africa

The expected turnaround time for a new driver’s licence card application is currently sitting at around two months.

The Department of Transport is currently facing a backlog of more than 500,000 licences after the country’s only printing machine broke down for three months earlier this year.

A new card is meant to be ready within two weeks; however, the waiting period has gradually worsened from 4-6 weeks to 8-9 weeks.

Nissan planning to close 64-year-old factory

Nissan has confirmed that its Oppama factory in Japan will be closed by March 2028.

The facility, opened in 1961 just outside of Tokyo, was once seen as a symbol of Japan’s postwar rise to a manufacturing powerhouse.

Today, the site represents the dangers of being caught flatfooted in a rapidly changing industry.

Good news for Ford Ranger and Everest fans

Ford has introduced new accessory packs for the mid-range Ranger XLT and Everest Sport models in response to customer feedback for more personalization options.

They add things like new decals, matte black headlamp surrounds, a styling bar, branded scuff plates, and a new grille with ‘FORD’ lettering, similar to the Ranger Raptor.

The packs will be made available as dealer fitment options, and are covered by the brand’s 4-year/120,000km warranty.

New special-edition Toyota Hilux goes on sale in South Africa

Toyota has finally launched the new Hilux Legend 55.

The 55 is a special-edition unit designed to celebrate the carmaker’s 55 years in South Africa.

It is equipped with the brand’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, and features a host of exclusive items like a sports bar, badges, and graphic projectors.

New toll plaza for one of South Africa’s busiest routes

The Department of Transport has announced its desire to build a new toll plaza near the Beitbridge Border Post to Zimbabwe – the busiest border crossing in South Africa.

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) indicated that portions of the N1 are national roads under its portfolio, and that a 1.1km stretch can be tolled.

The department has gazetted the proposal for public comment on 19 September 2025.