SAA Cargo supports Toyota Imperial South Africa team at the Dakar Rally 2015

Johannesburg,15 January 2015(STAT):-. South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) is a proud air freight partner of the Toyota Imperial South Africa team for the 2015 Dakar Rally, the toughest and longest motor race in the world.

SAA Cargo took the opportunity to once again support the Toyota Imperial South Africa team when they were approached by Toyota to transport the racing vehicles to Sao Paulo, Brazil en route Lima in Chile.

The shipment consisted of 3 vehicles and spares which weigh about 7941 kgs. It took about 16 hours for the shipment to reach its destination with 11 hours spent on the aircraft. “It takes a lot planning to ensure that the shipment arrives safe at its final destination and this cannot be achieved without hard work of the competent SAA Cargo team that works closely with the Toyota Imperial shipping agent to ensure that the entire process is carried out meticulously”, said Tleli Makhetha; SAA Cargo’s General Manager.

The 37^th edition of the Dakar Rally started in Buenos Aires in Argentina on Sunday, 04 January 2015. The event takes place over a period of 14 days and 13 racing stages and the 450 cars, trucks, motorcycles and quads will cover a total distance of some 9 500 kilometres of which 5 000 are against the clock. It ends again in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Toyota Imperial South Africa team has lived up to expectations and proved why they are among the favourites at this year’s event as they performed very well despite the many challenges experienced in the opening stages.

Makhetha said, “We are quite happy with the partnership as it does not only demonstrate our commitment to promoting our country through sport but also promote our cargo services during this global event”.

Team SA is represented by Giniel de Villiers, Dirk von Zitzewitz, Leeroy Poulter and Rob Howie