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They say game recognises game, so it is perfectly fitting that Toyota would sponsor The Munga E-bike Endurance Test. It is an undisputed fact that Toyota pioneered the mass production of automotive hybrid technology, and the recent introduction of Corolla Cross Hybrid in South Africa further reaffirms this sentiment.
Three Corolla Cross Hybrids have been confirmed as support vehicles to the trio of e-bike participants in The Munga MTB – a 1 000km endurance test starting in Bloemfontein (Free State) and ending in Wellington (Western Cape). It kicks off on 1 December and finishes on 6 December 2021.
Much like Toyota’s hybrid technology – where vehicle propulsion is generated from two sources of energy – in e-bikes, power is derived from manual pedalling as well as the electric motor. In layman’s terms, e-bikes are bicycles with a battery-powered motor to assist when you are pedalling. On the other hand, a hybrid car – such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid – is a vehicle that combines a self-charging electric motor (no need to connect to electricity) with a normal internal combustion engine (ICE) to move the car. It boasts excellent fuel economy compared with normal ICE vehicles.
“We feel it is a natural fit for Toyota to partner with The Munga E-bike Endurance Test, and we hope that this will go a long way towards educating South Africans about hybrid mobility. We are certain that people will warm up to the idea of e-bikes in the country – just like they’re starting to embrace New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in the automotive sector.
“The Corolla Cross Hybrid, which is produced at our Prospecton Plant in Durban, is strategically positioned to make NEVs mainstream and is currently the most affordable 29 November 2021 Hybrid-Electric Vehicle in the South Africa,” says Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa, Glenn Crompton.
Each e-bike rider is theoretically provided enough power to do up to 200km in the event, making this hybrid test the perfect cross between endurance and energy conservation. Every team member will receive a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid to use for the duration of the race, letting the team shift seamlessly from one hybrid to another.
Part of the aim of Toyota’s sponsorship is to help SA become the world’s best playground for e-bikes. The Munga E-bike ultra long-distance Endurance Test will be used as an active case study to advance battery knowledge substantially, and to grow the expertise of the three e-bike electricians who will be servicing the teams.
The Test Riders
Myles van Musschenbroek: Predominately a road cyclist for the past 10 years, Myles van Musschenbroek has racked up a load of experience when it comes to all types of cycling disciplines.
Dr Phathokuhle Zondi: Dr Phathokuhle Zondi is a Sports and Exercise Medicine Physician experienced in clinical sports medicine, executive management, and leadership.
Wade Mostert: Having competed in many races across the country, Wade Mostert will be entering The Munga for the second time.
