Toyota breathes life back into anti-poaching Hilux
Recently a SANParks double-cab Hilux was found stripped of crucial parts and perched on bricks.
Toyota is ever increasing its involvement in anti-rhino poaching efforts and after the Hilux was found in the battered condition, Shaun Finn from Northam Toyota volunteered to the challenge to restore the Hilux to its former glory. The restoration process which took place over several months amounted to R230 000 with the parts making up for R125 000 of the total figure while the technical labour and bodywork made up for the rest.
The project would not have been a success if it wasn’t for the contributions made in the form of sourcing and funding of parts for the vehicle by Monitor Dealers and Toyota South Africa Motors. This is but one of the recent donations made by Toyota to the South African National Parks which received four Toyota Avanza models and a brand new Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 SRX double-cab 4×4 as well as R450 000 worth of refurbishing on six vehicles and extension of their service plans.
“There were no cutting corners when it came to the restoration of this Hilux. We repaired it so that it was serviceable and respectable. The bodywork was in a very bad state: the roof area, as well as the front fenders, had been damaged and the load bin was in terrible shape. So, we are proud to have pulled this project off – thanks to the invaluable support of Monitor Dealers and some of our local suppliers who sourced and sponsored parts needed,” Shaun Finn, Northam Toyota
With the increasing number of rhino poaching in South Africa, the recent donation made at the Pilanesberg National Park cements Toyota South Africa Motor’s commitment to the cause and reflects its position that both the public and private sectors should share responsibility and provide resources to anti-poaching units in its efforts to protect the endangered species.
“Protecting our wildlife heritage is close to our heart and the plight of the rhino, as well as other endangered species, is a matter that requires our attention – hence our commitment to supporting SANParks,” John Thomson, Vice President of Service, Customer Service and Future Toyota at TSAM.
