Toyota tests carbon-friendly mild hybrid Hilux

Toyota conducted a successful demo run of the Hilux MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) concept model at Kasarani during the seventh round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Kenya.

Riaan Hilux1

The Hilux MHEV concept was driven by four-time WRC champion and former Toyota world title winner, Juha Kankkunen from Finland, with co-driver Jimmi Gathu, a renowned local Kenyan media personality and actor. The company showcased its clear stance to deliver diverse vehicle ranges on its journey towards carbon neutrality.

After the demonstration, Juha Kankkunen said: "I’m 100% sure that this type of car will fit in Africa very well because there are still long-distance drives and it's very difficult to charge electric cars. You can save fuel, which means less CO2. Africa is a good market for this kind of car, and you can reduce CO2 with hybrid cars. That is the future.


"I have had the pleasure of driving different models for the Toyota brand from Full-electric cars, Hybrid and Hydrogen and can attest that these models are much faster than standard models."

Jimmi Gathu excitingly gave his impression, saying: “It was an amazing experience. It’s fantastic that Kenya’s most popular, most reliable, toughest car is being tested as a concept car for hybrid especially in addressing the issue around carbon emissions, beginning with small steps as you seek to achieve carbon neutrality – I think it's perfect.”

Dennis Awori, who is a Country Delegate of CFAO Group in Kenya and Chairman of CFAO Kenya Toyota Tsusho Group, emphasised the importance of bringing vehicle options such as the Hilux MHEV to Africa, where robust and versatile vehicles like the Hilux are highly popular.

Even in relatively well-developed regions of Africa, such as Kenya or even in South Africa, there are some areas where electricity supply is unstable. In these areas, if it takes time to solve issues such as stable electricity supply, and the development of charging networks and securing resources, Mild HEVs are an important option for immediate CO2 reduction. They do not require new equipment or power supply and can also use existing petrol stations and can reduce CO2 emissions.

More New Energy Vehicles stories

CHARGE welcomes EV tax incentive

CHARGE welcomes EV tax incentive

Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) welcomes the signing of the 150% tax incentive for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicle manufacturers into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This follows a year of advocacy by CHARGE for government incentives to fast-track South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) transition.

  • 10 January 2025
The electric Jaguar of the future

The electric Jaguar of the future

Introducing an unmistakable, unexpected and dramatic physical manifestation of Jaguar, as the brand continues its transformation, the Type 00 (pronounced Type Zero Zero) embodies Jaguar’s creative philosophy of Exuberant Modernism following the debut of its new brand identity, says the manufacturer.

  • 3 December 2024