Toyota Conducts A Successful Demo Run Of Hilux ‘Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle’ In Kenya

Toyota demonstrates that Hilux GR-S MHEV is a realistic option for carbon neutrality at WRC Safari Rally in Kenya.

It showcased its clear stance to deliver diverse vehicle ranges on its journey towards reducing CO2 emissions.

Says Hilux MHEV offers a realistic option to reduce CO2 emissions in Africa due to limited BEV charging infrastructure.

One of the test drivers attested that “these models (MHEV) are much faster than standard models.”

He added that the Hilux GR-S MHEV will fit in Africa very well because there are still long-distance drives.

Toyota says it conducted a successful demo run of the Hilux GR-S MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) concept model on Thursday June 22 during the seventh round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) held at Kasarani, Kenya.

Behind the wheels of the Hilux MHEV Concept is four-time WRC champion and former Toyota world title winner Juha Kankkunen from Finland, with co-driver Jimmi Gathu, a renowned local Kenyan media personality and actor.

The Japanese car brand showcased its clear stance to deliver diverse vehicle ranges on its journey towards reducing CO2 emissions.

After the demonstration, Juha Kankkunen said :

“I’m 100% sure that this type of car will fit in Africa very well because there are still long-distance drives and it’s very difficult to charge electric cars. You can save fuel, which means less CO2. Africa is a good market for this kind of car, and you can make CO2 less with hybrid cars. That is the future.”

“I have had the pleasure of driving different models for the Toyota brand from Full-electric car, Hybrid and Hydrogen and can attest that these models are much faster than standard models.”, he said.

Jimmi Gathu excitingly gave his impression, saying :

“It was an amazing experience. It’s fantastic that Kenya’s most popular, most reliable, toughest car is being tested as a concept car for hybrid especially in addressing the issue around carbon emissions, beginning with small steps as you seek to achieve carbon neutrality I think it’s perfect.”

Amb. Dennis Awori, who is a Country Delegate of CFAO Group in Kenya and Chairman of CFAO Kenya Toyota Tsusho Group emphasized the importance of bringing vehicle options such as the Hilux MHEV to Africa, where robust and versatile vehicles like the Hilux are highly popular.

According to Toyota, the Hilux MHEV offers a realistic and immediate option to reducing polluting CO2 emissions in Africa due to the limited Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) charging infrastructure on the continent.

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