The Japanese giant completed a demonstration run of the Hilux Mild-Hybrid concept at the recent World Rally Championship leg, held in Kenya.

Behind the wheel of the Hilux Mild-Hybrid you see here was none other than 4-time WRC champion and Toyota driver Juha Kankkunen. Essentially, this concept is to demonstrate Toyota’s strategy to deliver more efficient and cleaner vehicles.

After the demo run, 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 make CO2 less with hybrid cars. That is the future.”

Toyota is one of the few brands that hasn’t plunged headfirst into an all-electric product portfolio, preferring a measured and scaled approach. Africa has limited electric-vehicle charging infrastructure and products like the Hilux Mild-Hybrid will assist with a reduction in both economy and emissions.

While the release detailing the demo drive didn’t include any technical details, Toyota Australia has confirmed the 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine is in line to gain 48-volt technology which is said to result in a fuel saving of “approximately 10%” for “certain” derivatives.

MORE: Toyota Hilux Mild-Hybrid Powertrain: Initial Details Released

Toyota has also announced its mission to “mass-produce happiness” by suppling vehicles that support Africa’s lifelines and given its popularity, the Hilux will be one of the core products involved. As a reminder, Toyota South Africa manufacturers the Corolla, Corolla Quest and Corolla Cross along with the Hilux and Fortuner at its Prospecton plant, near Durban.

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