Month: September 2019

The Netherlands-based lubricants manufacturer, Eurol, has decided to renew its partnership with the Dakar-winning Toyota Gazoo Racing SA team for the 2020 Dakar Rally. Eurol has been supplying top-quality lubrication products for more than 42 years, with outlets in more than 80 countries around the globe.

The Netherlands-based lubricants manufacturer, Eurol, has decided to renew its partnership with the Dakar-winning Toyota Gazoo Racing SA team for the 2020 Dakar Rally. Eurol has been supplying top-quality lubrication products for more than 42 years, with outlets in more than 80 countries around the globe.

“We are very excited to have Eurol on board again for Dakar 2020,” said Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Team Principal, Glyn Hall, of the renewed partnership. “Eurol supported us during the very tough Dakar Rally in Peru, which we won with Nasser Al Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel in a Toyota Hilux. Eurol’s products proved invaluable during that race.”

While Eurol supplies lubricants and specialty products to a wide variety of industries, it has a strong focus on delivering only the best quality products. These are often tested not only through professional circuit racing, but also during the rigorous Dakar Rally, thanks to its partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing SA.

“We are still building up to Dakar 2020, making refinements to our Toyota Hilux, and finalising the team,” continued Hall. “Part of this build-up is our participation in the 2019 Rally of Morocco, and we are pleased to have Eurol on board as a partner for the upcoming event.”

Martijn Pfeiffer, Managing-Director of Eurol about the partnership: “It’s a great pleasure to work with such a professional team and bring added value with our high quality lubricants and knowledge of lubrication under the most extreme circumstances.”

Toyota Gazoo Racing SA will be fielding a three-car team at the race, spearheaded by Nasser Al Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel. Also in action will be Giniel de Villiers, now partnered by Spanish co-driver Alex Haro; as well as Dutch star Bernhard ten Brinke, with Belgian Tom Colsoul beside him. The team will also be joined by Fernando Alonso and Marc Coma of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, in their continued quest to prepare for a possible entry to the Dakar Rally in 2020.

The Rally of Morocco is widely regarded as the final precursor to the Dakar Rally, thanks to its harsh terrain and placement on the race calendar, which means it offers unparalleled opportunities for testing and validation. The rally is also the final round of the FIA’s World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, which Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s Al Attiyah/Baumel currently lead.

The pair have won the World Cup three times together, while Al Attiyah also secured the title in 2008, partnered with Tina Thorner. Al Attiyah has also won the Rally of Morocco five times, and will be aiming to add to that tally at the upcoming event.

Toyota Gazoo Racing SA will be conducting a pre-event test in Morocco, in preparation for the rally, which takes place during 3-9 October, 2019. The race HQ will be based in the Moroccan city of Fes, while the bulk of the racing stages will take place in the area near Erfoud, in mixed terrain including rocky tracks, sand dunes and dry river crossings. The race will conclude on October 9th, back in the city of Fes.

It was an excellent weekend for Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s Michael van Rooyen, when the Toyota Corolla driver tackled Round 7 of the 2019 Global Touring Car (GTC) championship at the Killarney Raceway in Cape Town. The “Rustenburg Rocket” finished third in Race 1, and improved to second in Race 2 – leaving him tied for second in the title fight, just two points adrift.

It was an excellent weekend for Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s Michael van Rooyen, when the Toyota Corolla driver tackled Round 7 of the 2019 Global Touring Car (GTC) championship at the Killarney Raceway in Cape Town. The “Rustenburg Rocket” finished third in Race 1, and improved to second in Race 2 – leaving him tied for second in the title fight, just two points adrift.

“It was a great weekend for us,” said the affable racer after the event. “In hindsight we could probably have bagged one or two more points, but the reality is that we are now within reach of the title, and anything can happen at the final round in October.”

The weekend started with a tough qualifying session for the Toyota Corolla driver: “It was a highly competitive session, and the top 5 cars were separated by less than 0.1 s. I managed to peg fourth place on the grid, which was far from ideal, but acceptable in the circumstances.”

When the lights went green, Van Rooyen pulled off a magnificent start, and quickly moved up to third place. The Toyota Gazoo Racing SA driver shot past VW’s Keagan Masters, and quickly caught up with privateer Johan Fourie, in his BMW.

“But getting past Johan was tricky, and eventually Keagan caught up with us again,” explained Van Rooyen. “After a bit of a tussle, Keagan and I went through the fast Malmesbury corner side-by-side, with me on the outside – never the best place to be.”

As a result, Van Rooyen arrived at the next bend – Cape Town Corner – carrying debris in the tyres of his Corolla. He tried to slow the car down, but ended up leaving the track, and losing a number of positions as a result.

“But luck was on my side, as a couple of the leaders ran into trouble – and each other. There was a penalty too, for Masters, after he and Robert Wolk collided, and suddenly I found myself scoring points for third place.”

This meant that Van Rooyen would start Race 2 from fourth on the grid, in the reverse-grid configuration. Volkswagen’s Masters again offered stern resistance, but after a ding-dong battle, Van Rooyen managed to pass the VW driver.

“Next up was Daniel Rowe, also in a VW,” continued Van Rooyen. “I had saved a push-to-pass for the end of the race, and used it before the final corner – which meant I overtook Rowe after the last bend, and ended up second in Race 2.”

Victory on Race 2 went to Robert Wolk (BMW), but a second place, together with the points from a third place in Race 1, saw Van Rooyen close the gap to log leader, Masters significantly. As a result, the Toyota Gazoo Racing SA driver is now just two points behind Masters, tied for points with Audi’s Simon Moss. The final round of the season promises to be a cracker-jack, and the action is set for the weekend of 25-26 October, at the Red Star Raceway in Delmas, Gauteng.

Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s Guy Botterill and navigator Simon Vacy-Lyle accomplished their mission of finishing in the Top 3 at the TracN4 National Rally, Round 6 of the 2019 South African National Rally Championship. Botterill had already won the drivers’ title for the year – making it six titles in a row – but the Toyota Etios crew had to attain a podium spot in the penultimate event of the year in order to secure the navigators’ title for Vacy-Lyle. This they achieved, despite a tumultuous event.

Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s Guy Botterill and navigator Simon Vacy-Lyle accomplished their mission of finishing in the Top 3 at the TracN4 National Rally, Round 6 of the 2019 South African National Rally Championship. Botterill had already won the drivers’ title for the year – making it six titles in a row – but the Toyota Etios crew had to attain a podium spot in the penultimate event of the year in order to secure the navigators’ title for Vacy-Lyle. This they achieved, despite a tumultuous event.

“Things started well for us,” explained Botterill after completing the Gauteng-based event. “We ended Day 1 with a lead, despite struggling through some very thick sand caused by the extremely dry conditions.”

All the crews battled in the sand, which made it very tricky for the front-wheel-drive rally cars to set a good pace. Overheating was a constant threat, as was the possibility of snapping a side-shaft due to excessive wheelspin in the loose sand.

“Unfortunately, we fell foul to exactly that problem early on Day 2,” continued Botterill. “We snapped a side-shaft on the Toyota Etios, and suddenly found ourselves with just one-wheel-drive. We considered abandoning the rally, as getting through the very thick stuff was almost impossible in the circumstances.”

But with their eyes on the prize for Vacy-Lyle, the pair pushed on. They cleared one stage, and then drove at nothing more than limping pace through another stage, before reaching the service park mid-way through Day 2.

“Our crew did an amazing job repairing the car. They fitted a new transmission, and also replaced the diff and both side-shafts. With the work done, we were right back on the pace,” says Botterill.

Unfortunately, the pair had lost a bundle of time, and had slipped down to fifth in the standings – too far down the order to secure the championship for Vacy-Lyle. But then fate intervened: “Chris Coertse rolled his car in the third-last stage – nothing spectacular, but unfortunately the car came to rest in some extremely dry grass. The hot exhaust set the grass alight, and soon the Mazda was on fire.”

The competitors behind the stricken Mazda stopped to assist, using their fire-extinguishers to try to save the car. One spectator even attempted to push the car out of the burning grass with his own car, but sadly the spectator’s car also caught fire, and both cars had to be abandoned.

“In the end, the organisers had no choice but to stop the event at that point, simply because many competitors had exhausted their fire-extinguishers, and couldn’t race without them for safety reasons,” explained Botterill. “With Chris out, and one other competitor excluded for a technical infringement, we suddenly found ourselves promoted from fifth place to third – just what we needed!”

As a result, the Toyota Etios Crew scored enough points to seal the deal for Vacy-Lyle, with one round in hand. The final event for 2019 is the Ermelo Rally, which is scheduled for the weekend of 25-26 October.

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Subaru Corporation (Subaru) have agreed on a new business and capital alliance with the aim of further developing and strengthening their long-term partnership.

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Subaru Corporation (Subaru) have agreed on a new business and capital alliance with the aim of further developing and strengthening their long-term partnership.

Ever since concluding an agreement on business collaboration in 2005, partnership between Toyota and Subaru has included contract production by Subaru of Toyota vehicles and supply by Toyota of vehicles to Subaru, as well as joint development of the rear-wheel-drive Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ sports car models.

Also, with vast changes enveloping the automotive industry, which is being called on to respond to the new domains of CASE (connected, autonomous/automated, shared, and electric), Toyota and Subaru disclosed in June this year that they have agreed to jointly develop a platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and to jointly develop a BEV model, both of which will employ Subaru’s AWD technologies and Toyota’s vehicle electrification technologies.

In this once-in-a-century period of profound transformation, by strengthening their bonds and aligning their capabilities, Toyota and Subaru aim to pursue driving enjoyment in the CASE era and to make ever-better cars beyond what either company has been able to achieve thus far. Furthermore, to deepen their relationship and to strengthen their ties toward advancing to the next stage while respecting the identity of each other’s brand, the two companies have agreed that Toyota will increase its equity stake in Subaru and that Subaru will acquire shares in Toyota.

Details of business activities in the new alliance

     1. In pursuit of making ever-better cars beyond that achieved thus far by Toyota and Subaru

1. Bringing together both companies’ strengths to jointly develop all-wheel-drive models that offer the ultimate sensation in all-wheel driving

2. Joint development of the next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ

     2. Expansion of the scope of partnership to survive this once-in-a-century period of profound transformation

3. Following the Crosstrek Hybrid*, expanding use of the Toyota Hybrid System in other Subaru models

4. Cooperation in the domain of connected vehicles and technical collaboration in the field of autonomous driving

Designed to support and enhance the aftermarket experience of its customers through the dealer network, the Toyota Centre of Technical Excellence (TCOTE) based at the Toyota South Africa Motors Sandton Head office is quite simply the most advanced Toyota-owned facility of its kind on the African continent.

Fact –Toyota is synonymous with quality, durability and reliability

Fact – the latest brace of models from Toyota and Lexus are at the cutting edge of technology

Fact – to continue delivering the very best aftermarket experience to customers, SA’s favourite automotive brand has created the Toyota Centre of Technical Excellence (TCOTE)

Designed to support and enhance the aftermarket experience of its customers through the dealer network, the Toyota Centre of Technical Excellence (TCOTE) based at the Toyota South Africa Motors Sandton Head office is quite simply the most advanced Toyota-owned facility of its kind on the African continent.

In a “world first”, South Africa is the only country to establish designated Toyota Repair Support dealerships (14 in total), strategically placed throughout the country to reinforce the role played by Head-Office-based technical staff in providing assistance to other dealerships – as opposed to one national hub.

In line with Toyota’s continuous improvement philosophy – kaizen – this Technical and Repair Support Centre is a state-of-the-art facility, purpose-built to assist the aforementioned regional dealer network with the swift and efficient resolution of diagnostic challenges in particular, including remote diagnostics. (The latter is not exclusive to the 14 Toyota Repair Support dealerships; it is open to all 200+ dealerships within the Toyota and Lexus family.)

Repair support group technicians attend regular, bespoke training seminars, ensuring the universal maintenance of high diagnostic standards; the centre also conducts and supervises vehicle quality evaluations and research when required.

As articulated by Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM): “The reason this centre is such a pivotal part of our business is because automotive diagnostics are critical in our aftersales strategy.

“It benefits the entire production and sales cycle, from the original equipment manufacturer all the way to the service centre, resulting in reduced service time at dealer workshops, the timely resolution of vehicle issues and even the prevention of possible technical issues in the long term. Think of it as an early detection centre for vehicles that are new to our region to ensure that we are ready for whatever issues that may arise after a model been released to our market.”

The technology employed at TCOTE encompasses the many facets of vehicle maintenance and research. The core focus areas include:

1. Crash Data Recovery or CDR
2. Radial Force Variation
3. Remote Diagnosis including Pico-Scope Analysis
4. Injector Analysis
5. Dynomometer Measurement

1. Crash Data Recovery

TSAM makes use of the most sophisticated Crash Data Retrieval tools to obtain recorded data from a motor vehicle’s electronic components when a collision occurs.

Much like the so-called ‘Black Box’ data recorder on an aircraft, the Crash Data Retrieval or CDR tool, can provide valuable, unbiased information, when reconstructing exactly what happened, before an event.

The CDR is connected to the motor vehicle’s electronic system, from which it continuously records driver inputs and the performance of all electronic components, as well as other crucial data.

Factors such as accelerator and brake pedal inputs; vehicle and engine speeds; and crash impact data, can be extracted via the CDR to a computer for analysis after a collision. Stored files may be analysed later, depending on requirements or customer requests.

Not only is this data vital in assessing such elements as braking performance and air-bag deployment, but the information may also be used for the vehicle-owner’s convenience, and is admissible as evidence in a legal case.

2. Radial Force Variation

TCOTE makes use of the world’s fastest Radial Force Variation (RFV) Machine, a highly specialised form of dynamic wheel analyser. What makes a RFV different from a normal wheel balancer is the ability to simulate real road conditions courtesy of the roller and the employment of lasers to detect any tyre and wheel deformations, as well as wheel deflection and abnormalities.

3. Remote Diagnosis / Pico-Scope Analysis

The rapid advance of sophisticated technology in motor vehicle control systems, presents complex diagnostic challenges when a fault occurs.

An On-Board Diagnostic or OBD scan tool is essential equipment for modern vehicle maintenance but, while a “fault code” can indicate a specific area for further functional tests, it rarely isolates the specific root cause of a vehicle fault.

With an integrated video connection, users nationwide (from any one of the 200+ Toyota and Lexus dealerships) can now consult with TCOTE specialists in Sandton to quickly resolve complicated technical issues.

For example, TCOTE uses the latest four-channel Pico-Scope oscilloscope – the X-ray machine of diagnostics – which transforms a laptop or PC into a powerful diagnostic investigating tool.

By mapping the electrical activity in circuits, the oscilloscope allows users literally to view the changing signals inside wires.

Over 150 guided tests – ranging from simple ignition and injector tests, to more complex electronic circuitry testing – are integrated into the latest software, enabling the Pico Automotive Diagnostics Kits to measure and test virtually all electrical and electronic components and circuits in any modern vehicle.

4. Injector Analysis

Electronic fuel injector operation is critical to the smooth running of both petrol and diesel engines, affecting performance, fuel economy and emission outputs.

Even the slightest irregularity in the fuel-spray pattern can have a negative effect on engine components and/or performance, but with no specific cause identified.

Detailed investigation of injector performance includes the injector’s response to miniscule changes in engine revolutions, as well as examination of the injector’s fuel distribution and atomisation.

The Injector Diagnostic tool is capable of testing standard manifold port, top feed, and side feed injectors on petrol engines, as well as the complete common rail system on diesel engines. It enables technicians to simulate car spray patterns and flow rates, as well as conduct injector-inductance tests on electro-magnetic circuits. These advanced diagnostic tests cannot be performed in standard on-car testing procedures.

Due to their unique structure, these diagnostic machines can test all fuel-related components, while off the vehicle, by simulating pressure and fuel delivery, thereby shortening diagnostic time, as well as minimising repair costs.

5. Dynomometer Measurement

Derived from the Greek “dunamis”, the word “dynamo” means “power in motion”. A dynamometer measures this power.

Engines generate power and deliver it to the transmission/transaxle, whereby it transfers the power to the differential, which powers the drive-shafts, which in turn are coupled to the wheels.

When being transferred across these mechanical devices, power is absorbed in the process, delivering substantially less power to where it matters most: the wheels. All motor manufacturers specify engine power on the engine flywheel.

A chassis dynamometer simultaneously measures power or “rotational force” and speed of rotation at the wheels. From this input data, it calculates engine power at the actual point of power delivery, as opposed to power at the engine flywheel.

This power difference sometimes causes confusion amongst tuners and even some dynamometer manufacturers. Power-loss across systems can vary substantially between vehicles, depending on multiple factors, such as transmission type, front/rear wheel drive, width and size of tyres, or temperature. A dynamometer is therefore useful, both for measuring actual power delivery to the wheels, as well as for diagnostics when the vehicle is stationary in the workshop, where engine data logging can be done, away from public roads and traffic.

Fernando Alonso completed a successful two-day training in the Toyota Hilux on September 2-3 in Szczecin, Poland covering 700 kilometres, including sections used by the recently-concluded Baja Poland. The training course featured a variety of sand tracks, hard and soft soil, and bumpy terrain developed by rally raid specialists and the team’s logistics partner, Overdrive Racing.

Fernando Alonso completed a successful two-day training in the Toyota Hilux on September 2-3 in Szczecin, Poland covering 700 kilometres, including sections used by the recently-concluded Baja Poland. The training course featured a variety of sand tracks, hard and soft soil, and bumpy terrain developed by rally raid specialists and the team’s logistics partner, Overdrive Racing.

Fernando will head to South Africa for a non-competitive outing in the Lichtenburg 400, fifth round of the South African Cross Country Series, on September 13-14. Originally scheduled to take place near Harrismith, the event moved to its new location due to unseasonably dry conditions which posed a fire risk.

Glyn Hall, Team Principal: “This was the first test for Fernando in Europe with the Hilux driving on very different terrains and conditions compared to Namibia two weeks ago. As we progress through our intensive training programme, we are focussed on getting quality kilometres as Fernando continues to familiarise himself with the Hilux and rally raid, more so than pure mileage. Nevertheless, we were able to double the planned mileage for this test which demonstrates just how quickly Fernando is acclimatising to the Hilux. Next week, we leave the relative comfort of a private test setting, to give Fernando a first taste of a rally raid competition environment at the Lichtenburg 400. We are grateful to the South African Cross Country Series for the special dispensation allowing TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to maximise this valuable opportunity in Fernando’s continuing training programme.”

Fernando Alonso: “It was definitely a positive couple of days here in Poland where I could experiment with a different sort of terrain. At this stage of my training, I welcome every kilometre in the Hilux and I’m happy we were able to push ourselves beyond the team’s original plans. It’s really great to be part of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing family and be given opportunities to try my hands at different types of motorsport. The Hilux has been really fun to drive and I’m enjoying every test.”

Retailing 3 565 units, Hilux took overall honours in August as Toyota South Africa Motor’s (TSAM) best-selling vehicle, boosting the stable’s total sales tally to 10 156 units. This accounts for a 22.3% market share out of the 45 537 total units sold in South Africa in August.

Hilux 3 565

Hi-Ace Ses’fikile 1 578

Land Cruiser Pick-up 235

Retailing 3 565 units, Hilux took overall honours in August as Toyota South Africa Motor’s (TSAM) best-selling vehicle, boosting the stable’s total sales tally to 10 156 units. This accounts for a 22.3% market share out of the 45 537 total units sold in South Africa in August.

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), the August sales reflected a decline of 2 440 units or 5.1% compared to 47 977 vehicles sold in the same month last year. However, Naamsa was pleased to announce that export sales had registered further strong gains last month in line with industry expectations.

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM, Calvyn Hamman says: “It’s clear that the market has remained depressed longer than we expected and that there is very little for consumers to be optimistic about. However, we see a silver lining in the sales of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) which have increased by 0.5% compared to August last year.”

The growth is more tangible for Toyota whose LCV sales have grown by 1 242 units or 3.8% compared to the same month in 2018. The locally-produced Hilux and locally-assembled Hi-Ace have sold more than half the total sales of TSAM last month, recording 3 655 and 1 578 respectively. One of the notable performers in the LCV segment is the Land Cruiser pick-up with 235 sales.

In the passenger segment, popular SUVs Fortuner and RAV4 sold 811 and 586 apiece, while the evergreen Corolla Quest (579) and Etios (673) both had a laudable showing. On the truck front, the Hino 300 Series recorded 18% share of the MCV segment while the Hino 500 Series ended the month with 16% share of the HCV segment.

“Once again, we’re grateful to the entire Toyota team and dealers across the country for their continued efforts towards making Toyota a market leader. We remain committed to creating customer smiles and to continue making Toyota, Lexus and Hino brands of choice for our market,” says Hamman.

Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s Michael van Rooyen had an excellent outing in East London, where he recorded two second place-finishes in Round 6 of the 2019 Global Touring Car championship.

The Toyota Corolla driver started the weekend as the second-fastest car in qualifying, and maintained that position throughout the weekend, to bring home more points than any other GTC driver over the weekend. This moves Van Rooyen up into third place in the overall standings, just 11 points off the lead.

“Yes, it was a fantastic weekend for us,” said the Rustenburg Rocket after the event. “We were quick in qualifying and missed out on pole by just 0.1sec.”

Starting from second place for Race 1 put Van Rooyen on the outside of the track – a daunting position considering the high-speed Potter’s Pass, which is Turn 1 at the East London Grand Prix circuit. Even so, the Rustenburger found some space to slot into, right behind pole sitter, Keagan Masters (Volkswagen).

“Having Keagan so close to the front of my Toyota Corolla caused a bit of understeer into Potter’s, but I managed to catch up on the rest of the circuit,” said Van Rooyen. “We had a great ding-dong battle, but in the end, Keagan took the victory, while I settled for second place.”

Race 2 saw a reversed grid, based on the results of Race 1. This saw Van Rooyen start in sixth place – a position he quickly set about improving.

“Luckily for me, Simon (Moss – Audi) made a mistake early on, and this let me through into fifth place. Then I caught up with one car after the other and used my Push-to-Pass opportunities to get up into second place.”

Only Tschops Sipuka (Audi) remained ahead of the flying Toyota Corolla driver, but “he drove really well, defending with conviction. I had no option but to settle for another second place.”

The two podium finishes saw Van Rooyen bring home a mass of points, while championship leader, Simon Moss, failed to score anything of consequence. As a result, the Audi driver ceded his position at the top of the standings to Volkswagen driver Keagan Masters; while Van Rooyen leapfrogged into third place in the standings.

“It was a great weekend for us,” said Van Rooyen. “Slightly frustrating to lose out on wins in both races, but we’re now just 11 points off the top of the table – while we were more than 20 points adrift before the weekend. So, we really can’t complain.”

Two race events remain in the 2019 season, with the first taking place in Cape Town next month. “We have four more chances to score points, and if anything, this weekend proved that a lot can change in a single weekend – so we have to remain focussed and push for maximum points towards the end of the season. Who knows what could still happen?”