Sébastien Ogier and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team looked on course to secure second position and strong points from Acropolis Rally Greece until final-stage heartbreak.

Ogier was fighting back after losing over two minutes at the end of Friday with a technical issue. On the final morning he stormed into second overall and a good lead of the separate Super Sunday classification with wins in the first two stages of the day.

The subsequent Power Stage offered another opportunity to convert that pace into valuable extra points, but early in the rock-strewn test Ogier would sustain a puncture that led him to run wide in a following corner and roll over.

He and co-driver Vincent Landais were thankfully unharmed and, after a delay while they made some repairs, were able to get their car through the stage and to the final time control in Lamia – at least securing the 13 points they had banked for finishing Saturday in third position.

Sustained hot and dry weather made this one of the roughest and toughest editions of the legendary Acropolis Rally for many years. Elfyn Evans lost significant time with multiple issues during the rally but reached the finish taking points for third in the Super Sunday classification and the Power Stage. Takamoto Katsuta, who stopped with damage on Friday morning, took fifth on Super Sunday and in the Power Stage.

After an impressive Rally1 debut with TGR-WRT at Rally Finland, Sami Pajari and Enni Mälkönen returned to their WRC2 campaign in Greece in their GR Yaris Rally2 car run by Printsport and claimed their third win of the season in fourth place overall. They sealed the win in a thrilling dead heat with Robert Virves (Škoda) after sustaining a puncture in the final stage, and now close to within three points of the championship lead.

It is the fourth WRC2 win in total for the GR Yaris Rally2 in the last six rallies in what were the most demanding conditions it has faced yet in its debut season.

Quotes:
Jari-Matti Latvala (Team Principal)
“It’s a difficult moment for us. Sometimes when things start to go wrong direction, they can keep going wrong, and that’s just how it is. It’s been a tough weekend, but Seb is a fighter and after what happened on Friday, he had to push. He needed to try to win the Power Stage and the Sunday standings because with that we would have been able to recover some ground in the championship. What happened in the last stage was unfortunate and we paid a big penalty for it, but at least he and Vincent could bring the car to the finish. We keep fighting, we will not lose that spirit, and we’ll take it rally-by-rally and see what the results will be. One positive to take away from today is that our Rally2 car won WRC2 in the hands of Sami and Enni, and that is something really nice to see.”

Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33)
“After a difficult weekend, today didn’t go as well as we would have liked. Clearly, the speed is still missing unfortunately. In some sections and moments we were still performing OK, but I didn’t feel fully at home to really push with no worries. I was probably too keen to finish cleanly after what’s been a difficult few days. It’s been a big disappointment lately, things have not been going well and we need to get back on the right track. We have some work to do and we’ll look to start again fresh in the next event.”

Sébastien Ogier (Driver car 17)
“We gave everything all weekend. We did a lot right, we had a great feeling in the car and great pace, and we fought as hard as we could until the last stage. Unfortunately we picked up a puncture around a kilometre in, I didn’t react to brake early enough for the next corner, and we rolled. Thankfully we managed to fix the car and bring it back to service, and bring at least some points to the team. It’s been a strange weekend. In many aspects it was close to perfection, but it doesn’t count in rallying if you don’t bring it all to the end. This is not a rally where you want to be taking risks, you need some luck to do so, and it was not on our side. It’s satisfying for me to still be able to compete like this: I enjoy pushing the limits, it’s been fun in the car. But I know very well after all these years that sometimes it doesn’t go your way. I will still be there in the next three events, continuing to give my best and keep fighting.”

Takamoto Katsuta (Driver car 18)
“It’s been a very tough rally. Today on the final day we also had some difficulties. The stages were rough and I tried to take some points on the Power Stage in particular, but unfortunately, we picked up a puncture. This probably cost us the chance to take some more points. It’s been a disappointing weekend and I’m sorry for the team. The car felt amazing at the beginning of the rally, but with my small mistake our chances of a good result were over, so I need to do a better job in future.”

PROVISIONAL FINAL CLASSIFICATION, ACROPOLIS RALLY GREECE
1 Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) 3h38m04.2s
2 Dani Sordo/Cándido Carrera (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) +1m46.8s
3 Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) +2m57.3s
4 Sami Pajari/Enni Mälkönen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) +7m01.1s
5 Robert Virves/Aleks Lesk (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +7m01.1s
6 Yohan Rossel/Florian Barral (Citroën C3 Rally2) +7m31.9s
7 Kajetan Kajetanowicz/Maciej Szczepaniak (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +9m54.0s
8 Fabrizio Zaldivar/Marcelo Der Ohannesian (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +11m27.9s
9 Josh McErlean/James Fulton (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +12m27.2s
10 Roberto Daprà/Luca Guglielmetti (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +13m44.9s
16 Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +23m44.5s
18 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +24m45.5s
30 Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +41m22.2s
(Results as of 16:30 on Sunday, for the latest results please visit www.wrc.com)

2024 FIA World Rally Championship for drivers after round 10:
1 Thierry Neuville 192 points
2 Ott Tänak 158
3 Sébastien Ogier 154
4 Elfyn Evans 140
5 Adrien Fourmaux 130
6 Kalle Rovanperä 86
7 Takamoto Katsuta 80
8 Dani Sordo 44
9 Sami Pajari 34
10 Esapekka Lappi 33

2024 FIA World Rally Championship for manufacturers after round 10:
1 Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team 413 points
2 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team 388
3 M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 215

What’s next?
Rally Chile takes place on September 26-29 in the forests of the Bio Bío region around the city of Concepción on South America’s Pacific coast. The stages are technical but largely fast with a mix of smooth and abrasive gravel.

Source: https://toyotagazooracing.com

On the 28th of August 2024, CFAO Mobility Zambia, under the Toyota division, unveiled the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado at an exclusive event at Music Club in Lusaka. This launch represents a significant milestone, as it not only introduces a new generation of the iconic vehicle but also reconnects with the Land Cruiser’s deep-rooted legacy of reliability and rugged performance.

The event commenced with an address from Mr. Dino Bianchi, the Country Delegate, who emphasized CFAO Mobility Zambia’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. “As we launch the New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, be assured that there is always a Toyota-trained and certified Zambian waiting to serve you. From Kasama to Chipata, Solwezi to Livingstone, or in the hinterland of Mkushi and the Copperbelt, Toyota is there for you,” Mr. Bianchi affirmed. His remarks underscored the extensive reach and dedication of Toyota’s network across Zambia, ensuring that every customer has access to top-tier service, regardless of location.

Mr. Bianchi then introduced the new Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Peter Bloomfield, who was warmly welcomed by the audience. In his inaugural speech as COO, Mr. Bloomfield expressed his enthusiasm for joining CFAO Mobility Zambia and highlighted the exceptional qualities of the new Land Cruiser Prado. “This model is not just a continuation of a legendary lineage; it is the best Prado ever built. Crafted under the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the new Land Cruiser Prado embodies Toyota’s commitment to quality, durability, and innovation,” Mr. Bloomfield assured, setting high expectations for the vehicle.

The evening’s guest of honor, the Honorable Minister of Commerce and Trade, Mulenga MP, also took the stage to share his thoughts on the Land Cruiser’s enduring legacy in Zambia. “True to its reputation, it stands ready to be passed onto the next generation, always ready for on-road, off-road, or no road – with this new generation, we are going back to our Land Cruiser roots,” he remarked. The Minister’s words resonated with the audience, reflecting the deep connection between the Land Cruiser and the Zambian landscape, where the vehicle has long been a symbol of reliability and strength.

The Minister further emphasized the strong bond between Toyota and the Zambian market, stating, “On that night, I confirmed to all that our blood will remain ‘Toyota in Zambia,’ and that we are committed to the Zambian market.” His comments highlighted Toyota’s ongoing investment in Zambia, ensuring the brand’s continued relevance and importance within the country’s automotive industry.

The event provided attendees with an opportunity to experience the new Land Cruiser Prado firsthand. The vehicle, designed for both rugged terrains and urban environments, captivated the audience with its robust yet refined design, reaffirming its status as a symbol of strength, reliability, and adventure.

As the Land Cruiser Prado enters the Zambian market, it carries with it a promise of unparalleled performance and durability. Built under the Toyota New Global Architecture, this latest iteration of the Land Cruiser Prado remains true to its roots while pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence. The launch event, hosted by CFAO Mobility Zambia, not only celebrated the arrival of this iconic vehicle but also reinforced the brand’s enduring commitment to serving the Zambian people with distinction and excellence.

CFAO Mobility is proud to be one of the sponsors of the 26th Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) Conference, underscoring our commitment to advancing the medical sector. The conference, taking place from August 11th to 15th, 2024, at the stunning Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, was officially opened by Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima.

This year’s conference, themed “Regulation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” aims to ignite vital discussions and promote collaboration among health practitioners’ regulatory authorities. The focus is on developing innovative approaches and strategies to regulate health practitioners in the context of emerging AI technology.

In support of Mission Pharmas, CFAO Mobility is showcasing the Toyota Land Cruiser Ambulance vehicle we use to transport medical kits to densely populated areas in Zambia. These displays illustrate our efforts to address logistical challenges and ensure timely delivery of medical supplies. 

We invite all attendees to visit our stand and learn how our vision aligns with this year’s theme of improving healthcare regulation and delivery.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics, which concluded on 11^th August, continue to capture the world’s imagination, there’s a remarkable story emerging from Zambia that fills us with immense pride. 

Did you know that Muzala Samukonga, a 21-year-old sprinter from Zambia, has made history on the Olympic stage? Specializing in the 400 meters, Samukonga clinched a prestigious bronze medal, showcasing his extraordinary talent and unyielding determination.

Samukonga’s achievement is even more significant against the backdrop of Toyota’s longstanding dedication to the Olympics. Since 2015, Toyota has been a proud sponsor, investing an impressive $835 million USD into the Games. This substantial commitment has had a transformative impact on athletes across the globe, and Samukonga’s success stands as a shining example of this support in action. We celebrate him.

At just 19, our very own Samukonga already achieved gold at both the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the African Championships. His performance at the 2024 Olympics, held from July 26th to August 11th, where he had the honor of representing Zambia as a flagbearer, underscores his relentless dedication and the profound effect of global sponsorships.

We, Zambians takes immense pride in Samukonga’s achievements. His bronze medal is not just a personal victory but a testament to the far-reaching impact of corporate support in sports. We celebrate him.

CFAO Mobility Zambia’s Toyota division is thrilled to celebrate Muzala Samukonga’s success and share his inspiring story with our readers. We are thrilled to share Muzala Samukonga’s remarkable journey and the significant global impact of his achievements. We hope this story serves as a source of inspiration for our readers. Congratulations to Muzala, our esteemed Zambian bronze medalist. We celebrate his success with great pride.

The Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia Limited (ACSZ) has long served as the proud host of the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show, Trade, and Exhibition. This prestigious event consistently provides a platform for industries to showcase their latest innovations and achievements.

Dr. Bernard Moonga, President of ACSZ, announced that the 96th Agricultural and Commercial Show, held from 31st July to 5th August 2024, revolved around the theme “Creating a Competitive Future.” This theme aligned perfectly with CFAO Mobility’s mission, particularly in our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions, which we highlighted through our diverse showcase of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

This year, we were honored to present an exceptional lineup of vehicles from our multi-brand portfolio, including the Suzuki Jimny, Ford Amarok, and offerings from our Top Gear Body and Paint division. However, the spotlight was on our hybrid electric vehicles—the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Electric Vehicle, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle, Toyota Prius Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and the sleek Mark X from our Automark division. These models exemplified the innovative technology and forward-thinking design that resonated with the show’s theme of “Creating a Competitive Future.”

Visitors were particularly enthusiastic about exploring our hybrid models, recognizing the vital role they play in the future of sustainable transportation. The judges were equally impressed with how we brought the theme to life, especially through our emphasis on the strength of the Toyota network and our commitment to environmentally conscious solutions. Our hybrid electric vehicles were showcased not just as vehicles, but as symbols of a greener, more competitive future.

To further enhance the experience, we strategically placed the Corolla Quest—featured in a special promotion—at the Public Service Micro Finance stand, the Fortuner at the Stanbic Bank stand, and the Land Cruiser 300 at the ABSA Bank stand. These strategic placements underscored our dedication to bringing quality vehicles directly to our customers, reinforcing our focus on community engagement and sustainable innovation. This approach solidified our commitment to creating a competitive future by bringing our offers directly to customers’ doorsteps.

The enthusiasm from visitors was palpable, with many drawn to the eco-friendly features of our hybrid models. The positive leads we generated reflected the growing interest in sustainable mobility solutions, solidifying CFAO Mobility’s position as a leader in the industry. The judges also gained a deeper understanding of how CFAO Mobility is contributing to a more sustainable future through our hybrid initiatives and community-focused programs.

Due to our unwavering commitment to providing a quality experience, we were thrilled to receive the following awards for our exceptional stand display and theme interpretation:

• Best Transport Exhibit
• Best Motor Trade Exhibit

Congratulations to our incredible team, and a heartfelt thank you to the event organizers for making this event a tremendous success. We eagerly look forward to showcasing even more at next year’s event, with a continued focus on driving towards a competitive and sustainable future.

Did you Know?

CFAO Mobility brought something truly groundbreaking to Zambia—the Toyota Prius Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). This was not just any car; it was our first official HEV, serving as a crucial test vehicle and pioneering hybrid technology on Zambian roads. With 126,000 miles clocked over 12 years, this Prius has been more than just a vehicle—it’s been a trailblazer.

For a decade, this Prius served as our demonstration and test vehicle, showcasing the potential of hybrid technology in a Zambia where fuel emissions were a growing concern. Today, it continues to play a vital role at the CFAO Mobility Training Centre. Here, our staff gain invaluable experience with hybrid technology by studying the inner workings of this pioneering vehicle.

We are excited to share that this historic Prius is on display at this year’s 96th Agricultural and Commercial Show, running from July 31st to August 5th, 2024. We invite our customers and showgoers to witness where it all began. This is a unique opportunity to see how CFAO Mobility first took the bold step toward reducing fuel emissions back in 2012.

The main reason for showcasing it at an event that receives more than 200,000 showgoers is to encourage everyone to explore the difference between this pioneering Prius and the cutting-edge Toyota RAV4 and Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicles that are leading the charge today. We hope you enjoy this piece and look forward to enlightening you more on the highlights after the show ends on August 5th, 2024.

This serves to inform our esteemed customers and the public that all CFAO Mobility branches will be closed for Business on Monday 5th August 2024 to commemorate Farmers Day.

Normal Business operations will resume on Tuesday, 6th August 2024.

Any inconvenience this may cause is deeply regretted.

BY MANAGEMENT