Following a momentous achievement at last year’s WRC Safari Rally Kenya, the Toyota Gazoo Racing’s GR Yaris replica is among the cars lined up for the 70th year anniversary celebrations of the iconic event in Nairobi on Saturday.
Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba Namwamba remarked that Toyota has played an integral part in the history of the Safari winning in 10 editions and treating spectators to some exhilarating displays of racing artistry.
The Yaris is currently being displayed at CFAO Motors (Formerly Toyota Kenya) showroom in Nairobi where customers and rally enthusiasts have savored the opportunity to experience the marque’s World Rally Team livery.
Speaking during Toyota’s WRC Safari sponsorship launch, The CS revealed that GR Yaris is among the cars that have been considered to spice up the year of milestones.
“On Friday, we have a special event for flagging off the 70th anniversary celebration and because of the longstanding history of the Toyota brand with the Safari and the Gazoo Racing, we will be having the GR piece as part of that ceremony,“ said Namwamba.
He added: “And we are also inviting Team GR to be a part of the celebration in recognition of their appreciation and contribution of Toyota sponsorship.”
“As government, we appreciate partnership with the corporate sector and the partnership with CFAO Motors and now joining the KCB Bank, Safaricom as unique Kenyan brands supporting a uniquely Kenyan event,” Namwamba said.
During the function, CFAO Motors announced its continued sponsorship of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally for the third consecutive year.
In 2022, the Toyota GR team achieved a remarkable podium finish, securing the top four positions and marking Toyota’s 10th victory at the Safari Rally.
Building on this success, CFAO Motors announced a Ksh 32 million sponsorship package towards the 2023 WRC Safari Rally.
As part of the sponsorship, CFAO Motors will provide two Hilux pickups to serve as safety route openers for the 00 car and 000 car, along with additional support services.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the WRC Safari Rally. This event allows us to enhance our GR brand proposition, showcasing the performance of Toyota vehicles to the Kenyan consumer, and promoting our QDR value proposition.”
“We are confident that this sponsorship will further strengthen our position as a market leader,” noted Arvinder Reel, Managing Director, CFAO Motors.
As part of the sponsorship, CFAO Motors will also unveil a range of Toyota models during the rally, some of which will be available for sale.
These models include the Toyota Hilux Pickup – Safari Rally Limited Edition, specially prepped with Toyota Gazoo Racing kit.
Furthermore, on display at Uhuru Highway showroom, is the replica GR Dakar Hilux T1+ and the GR Corolla hatchback.
The replica GR Dakar Hilux T1+ made its debut in the Dakar Rally in 2022, powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, while the GR Corolla hatchback boasts a carbon-fibre roof, bi-LED headlamps, and a power-enhancing triple-pipe exhaust.
In line with Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, the company has committed to an initiative that is geared towards tackling climate change and contribute towards achieving carbon neutrality.
Through the production of the Corolla Cross range, Toyota has minimized its carbon footprint and prioritized sustainability at every stage, from design to manufacturing and end-of-life recycling programs.
