TOYO TIRE’S DAKAR FUTURE MISSION 1000 PROJECT SET FOR 2027 DAKAR RALLY

TOYO TIRE will supply its OPEN COUNTRY M/TR pickup truck and SUV tyres for the hydrogen fuel cell-powered DKR GR FC Hilux, which Toyota Motor Europe will enter in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 category.

First held in 1978, the Dakar Rally is widely regarded as one of the world’s most demanding long-distance off-road rallies. Competitors face constantly changing terrain and weather conditions, ranging from cold mountainous regions to extreme desert environments, while navigating across largely unmarked terrain.

The Dakar Future Mission 1000 category serves as a testing ground for experimental vehicles, allowing future technologies such as hydrogen-powered drivetrains and electric propulsion systems to be evaluated for performance and durability under extreme conditions. Under the category’s special format, participants compete over a total distance of 1,000 kilometres across ten stages.

DKR GR FC Hilux to Showcase Hydrogen Technology

Based on the DKR GR Hilux, which has already competed at the highest level of the Dakar Rally, the DKR GR FC Hilux is equipped with Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell system.

Through its participation in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 category, Toyota aims to demonstrate the performance, safety and reliability of fuel cell technology. The project also forms part of the company’s carbon-neutral motorsport activities and its efforts to further explore the potential of hydrogen technologies.

OPEN COUNTRY M/TR Developed for Extreme Conditions

TOYO TIRE’s OPEN COUNTRY M/TR has been developed to deliver high levels of off-road performance, durability and wear resistance. The tyre also incorporates sustainable materials designed to help reduce its environmental impact.

By supporting the DKR GR FC Hilux in the extreme conditions of the Dakar Rally, TOYO TIRE will contribute to Toyota’s efforts to explore the broader potential of fuel cell technology.

About the OPEN COUNTRY M/TR

The OPEN COUNTRY M/TR has been specially tuned for use in the top classes of major rally-raid competitions, including the Dakar Rally.

Drawing on knowledge gained from previous rally campaigns, TOYO TIRE has further developed the tyre’s off-road performance and resistance to external damage for high-speed driving across demanding surfaces ranging from hard rocks and soft sand to slippery mud.

The tyre also uses sustainable materials accounting for 23.8% of its total weight, including recycled bead wire and recovered carbon black.