It's time for Africa! Toyota prepares for fifth leg of its '5 Continents Drive' project in Africa

Toyota is set to kick off the fifth leg of us '5 Continents Drive Project' in Africa, the fourth continent explored in its epic journey.

Following Australia in 2014, the Americas in 2015 and 2016, and Europe in 2017, this year Toyota will head to Africa. In addition, members from Suzuki, Hino and Toyota auto body, will also join the project.

Understanding customer needs

By experiencing the unique culture ('Team Africa'), climate, and harsh conditions in which vehicles are used, the project seeks to enable participants to better understand customer needs, and to consider what sort of cars will be most suited to the Africa of tomorrow.

READ: Epic SA road trip: What it's like to tour awesome Montagu behind the wheel of a Lexus RX SUV

The 5 Continents Drive is being carried out under the umbrella of Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Toyota employees from Japan and local affiliates (in this instance, Toyota South Africa staff members) 'take the wheel' of the cars themselves and drive the roads used daily by customers, with the aim of making "ever-better cars".

                                                                          Image: Motorpress

The project sees the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 as a milestone and will endeavour to continue its activities until this major event takes place.

For the purpose of the 5 Continents Drive Project, North America and Latin America are categorised as one continent ("the Americas").