Activities commenced in preparation for the Dakar Rally 2009
Running tests were conducted in Japan and other preparations are underway!

Hino to Compete in the Dakar Rally 2009!

Hino will be working with Team Sugawara to compete in the Dakar Rally, the world's most extreme exploration rally.The previous rally was canceled for the first time in its history due to safety concerns en-route. In 2009, however, the rally will be held in South America (Argentina-Chile).

Preparations for competing in this rally have begun, at this point primarily focusing on truck fabrication. Tests we conducted in late May gave us a real indication that this truck has improved its performance as a racing vehicle. We will also be competing in the Rally Mongolia 2008*, scheduled to start on 3 August, to prepare for the high altitude racing that we will encounter in the mountains of South America.

The Dakar Rally 2009 will be a milestone for both Hino and team driver Yoshimasa Sugawara as it will be an opportunity for Hino to set its new record of 18 consecutive finishes since it first competed in the rally, and for Sugawara to become the only driver in the history of this rally to finish in 20 consecutive races. (This record has more significance than the current record he holds, namely of competing in this rally for 25 consecutive years, a record that is recognized in the Guinness Book of world records.)

Place: Ulan Bator, Mongolia
Timeline: Starts on 3 August in Ulan Bator and finishes on 12 August, also in Ulan Bator
Total race kilometers: Approximately 4000+ km
Course: Various terrain, including sand and dirt deserts primarily in and around the Gobi Desert, grassland, and mountain terrain (2,000m class), etc.