Buenos Aires, January 2017 - For the second consecutive year, Toyota was present as the official vehicle of the organization in one of the most challenging competitions in the world, the Dakar rally. The company provided 42 Hilux and SW4 units to facilitate mobility to the organizers of the competition.
The Dakar rally undoubtedly reflects the spirit and values of Toyota: passion, respect and teamwork, testing riders, vehicles and their teams. These vehicles are used for the most challenging tasks of the competition, such as opening the way before the competitors pass through, or providing support and assistance to vehicles in the organization that suffer damages or accidents during the competition. The fleet of units available for the organization also had the support of the Toyota Technical Team, a group of 14 mechanical professionals.
Since its first edition in 1979 the vehicles of the brand participate in this competition. In the 2017 edition, 36 out of 79 (more than one-third) of the drivers in the car category registered with Toyota units, making it the most chosen brand by teams worldwide to meet this demanding and competitive test. In addition, of those 36 units that started this adventure, 28 managed to reach the goal, demonstrating the quality, reliability and durability of Toyota products.
Regarding results, Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa with Giniel De Villiers, and Toyota Overdrive with Nani Roma, arrived in 5th and 4th place respectively. The Land Cruiser Toyota Autobody team was crowned for 4th consecutive year in the T2 category. Hino Team Sugawara also came first in its category (10 liters or less), for the eighth consecutive year.
“I am incredibly pleased with these victories, and wish to congratulate everyone who has been part of this rally. I would also like to thank all our fans who have supported the Toyota teams and vehicles during their challenge at the Dakar Rally this year. I am proud of all Toyota entrants challenging in this demanding rally, and have conquered the grueling terrain with their Toyota-badged vehicles. The Dakar Rally is notoriously tough, and we are therefore pleased and humbled by the number of teams that have placed all of their trust into their Toyota vehicles. We are very grateful, and in response to these expectations held of Toyota, we have once again come to the renewed recognition of the need to continuously make ever-better cars. Challenging difficult roads and courses help in the development of our people and to improve our products, which contribute to the making of ever-better cars. Going forward, the whole Toyota Group will strive to continue to make ever-better cars by experiencing the diverse roads and terrains across the world”, said Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation President.
Once again Toyota demonstrates the passion that unites it with its spectators in sports competitions, filling with enthusiasm the lovers of motor sport, and bringing the passion of the four wheels to an increasing public.
