From our Blog

As Zambia marks 60 years of independence on October 24th, 2024, CFAO Mobility Zambia proudly reflects on a shared history of growth, resilience, and progress. Since opening our doors in Lusaka in 1963, just before Zambia’s first Independence Day, we have been committed to serving this great nation. Over the decades, our business has remained undisturbed, expanding to several branches, Authorized Service Centers, and Team Toyota Garages across the country.

This year’s theme, “60 Years Strong: Honouring Our Heritage, Embracing Our Future,” resonates deeply with us. We honor our roots, the sacrifices of our forefathers, and the rich cultural heritage that continues to shape our identity as Zambians. At CFAO Mobility, we take pride in being part of Zambia’s journey, delivering mobility solutions that drive progress and support the nation’s development.

As we embrace the future, we remain committed to serving the Zambian people by providing reliable vehicles, unmatched customer service, and innovative automotive solutions. Just as Zambia continues to move forward, so do we—building brighter, more sustainable futures together.

Happy 60th Independence Day, Zambia! Here’s to many more years of unity, progress, and success.

The path to the world’s fastest cars was previously slammed shut for Toyota’s racing drivers. Is it about to reopen?

On October 11, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) and the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (Haas), which has competed in Formula 1 since 2016, announced a technical partnership aimed at cultivating talent and developing vehicles.

On the motorsport genba, Toyota has long pursued a “driver-first” approach to carmaking that incorporates feedback from professional drivers into the development of production vehicles. Through this partnership with Haas, TGR’s young drivers, engineers, and mechanics will get a chance to take on the pinnacle of motorsports, with their accumulated expertise and the resulting technologies helping to make ever-better cars.

Dreams and aspirations

On the day of the announcement, the teams held a press conference at Fuji Motorsports Forest in Oyama, Shizuoka. GAZOO Racing Company President Tomoya Takahashi explained the three elements of “driver-first” carmaking: people (personnel development), pipeline (data analysis and utilization), and product (vehicle development).

On the people front, Takahashi revealed that as part of this arrangement, TGR and Haas will establish a new “driver development program,” allowing TGR’s training drivers to gain F1 experience by participating in test runs. Similarly, engineers and mechanics will take part in developing racing car aerodynamics, simulating use under extreme conditions, as well as designing and fabricating carbon components.
At the same time, TGR’s engineers and mechanics will acquire expertise in instantly analyzing Haas’s vast troves of data during races and harnessing it to map out strategies in real-time, contributing to the Pipeline. The knowledge obtained through this process will be continually applied to Toyota’s vehicle development, the Product.

In terms of personnel development, Takahashi added, “The active roles of F1 drivers, engineers, and mechanics can provide children with dreams, aspirations, and goals. For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, it is extremely important to demonstrate such hope to the children who will be responsible for the future of the automotive industry.”

On the other side of this partnership, Haas is currently in its ninth F1 season, sitting in seventh place out of ten teams after the Singapore Grand Prix in September.

At the press conference, Team Principal Ayao Komatsu described Haas as “both the youngest and the smallest team.” Having competed efficiently despite its size, the Haas team was seeking to push further up the rankings when this partnership was first mooted in February.

Haas Team Principal Komatsu

I believe that a major partnership such as this can only be built upon a relationship of respect and trust and a desire to work together towards a shared goal. Since we had plenty of that, I felt this could really work.

It was arranged that I would meet Chairman Toyoda, and I came to Tokyo before the Canadian Grand Prix in June.

Our visions were so closely aligned that it was hard to believe we were meeting for the first time. He is a very passionate person, and his ideas for the future, for inspiring Japan’s young people and the world of motorsports, shine through brightly.

These really resonated with what I want to accomplish through the Haas F1 Team, which was another green light.

I think these kinds of partnerships come about through personal connections, and that was the basis for this agreement. TGR possesses the manufacturing capabilities that we currently lack.

What we do have is the latest F1 know-how, while being short on people, facilities, and horsepower. These are things that TGR can contribute as we work together in various areas to improve the team and develop our personnel.

Formula 1 makes use of cutting-edge technologies, but the crucial element is the people. It is people who build things, who create simulation software, and who put them to use.

Even looking at the same data, each individual will make different decisions. We decided to pursue this partnership because both sides truly want to focus on developing people and creating a team whose efforts can inspire the next generation.

Morizo clears the air

Next to take the mic was Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo. He touched on the nature of racing drivers and the atmosphere that had pervaded Toyota’s pits since the company withdrew from F1 back in 2009.

Although I’m not a professional racing driver, I’m surrounded by numerous professional racers who don’t mind driving with me.

Recently, among them are both drivers who grew up with Honda and racing drivers who have long been with Toyota.

There’s something I sense when talking to professional racing drivers.

It’s that everyone wants to drive the world’s fastest cars.

I think that’s the way drivers are.

That said, I’m the person who quit F1. So, I think that drivers were never able to frankly talk about it in front of me. It was like there was always this inhibiting atmosphere in our pit.

In January this year, I said in front of everyone that I had finally gotten back to being an ordinary guy who loves cars.

I think that, somewhere deep in his heart, that ordinary older car-loving guy Akio Toyoda had always regretted having blocked―by pulling out of F1―Japanese youths’ path toward driving the world’s fastest cars.

That said, with the media watching my every step, I dare to add that I still believe my decision as the president of Toyota to withdraw from F1 was not wrong.

Not very long ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Team Principal Komatsu. He himself is someone who has carved out big dreams. But behind him was his father, who always allowed him to chase those dreams freely.

Both Mr. Komatsu and I have come to share the same desire to be a “father” who allows children to chase their dreams. Mr. Komatsu, I owe you my thanks.

The Super Formula drivers over there (Fuji Speedway), both the Toyota and the Honda drivers, all grew up as kids driving karts.

I believe there are many children all over the country who, admiring them, also drive karts. I think that, together with Mr. Komatsu and his team, we need to increase the number of such children.

But before that, I would like to see the day when a Super Formula driver grips the steering wheel of the world’s fastest car.

Mr. Komatsu and all the members of Haas, I look forward to working with you for the sake of the Japanese motorsports world.

And….to the media!

Please make sure that tomorrow’s headlines don’t read: “Toyota Finally Returns to F1”. Rather, it would be great to see headlines and articles that inspire Japanese children to dream of the possibility that they, too, could one day drive the world’s fastest cars.

This wasn’t the first time that Morizo had spoken his mind about the F1 withdrawal. In September 2023, when Ryo Hirakawa became a McLaren reserve driver after spending his entire career with Toyota-affiliated teams, Morizo shared the following comment:

“As a driver myself, even though no one ever mentions it when I speak with other drivers, I could sense these reservations between us.”

On that occasion, he made a distinction between his positions as Toyota’s chairman and driver Morizo. This time around, an “ordinary car-loving guy” was added to the mix.

Now that this “ordinary car-loving guy” is able to help racing drivers achieve their dreams, the inhibiting atmosphere may be starting to clear.

Setting the stage for a starring role

When answering questions from reporters, Morizo again spoke openly about racing drivers and his first meeting with Team Principal Komatsu.

Last September, the Japanese Grand Prix returned to the country for the first time in 14 years. When you attended, Japanese F1 and Suzuka fans gave Morizo a very warm reception. Did their support have any influence on this decision?

Morizo

Walking around Suzuka, there were actually four of us—myself, Hirakawa, Kamui Kobayashi, and Kazuki Nakajima. But the crowd only called out Morizo’s name.

I turned to the other three and said, “What’s happening with you guys? I’m not even a racing driver.”

Then it occurred to me: the guys behind the wheel need to play more of a starring role, and I need to create the stage where they can do that.

It was the same when we went to the F1 venue. As you all know, I am the guy who pulled Toyota out of F1, so I honestly was not expecting to be greeted by such a welcoming atmosphere.

Since we don’t have a path to the world stage, that made me all the more eager to find a place where young people can learn how to pursue their dreams.

Then, this partnership came about. When we were at Suzuka, neither of us had the slightest inkling that we would be here doing something like this today.

Since Toyota’s involvement won’t be a full re-entry into F1, how do you plan to incorporate F1 technologies into production cars?

Morizo

I am a carmaker. Ever since I became president, I’ve always emphasized the same thing: let’s make ever-better cars. After 14 years leading the company, I have dealers telling me that, across Toyota’s full lineup, our products have turned into the kinds of cars they want to have in their showrooms.

I think our GR Company vehicles are the result of ever-better carmaking rooted in motorsports.

It’s not enough to just pave the way for drivers alone; motorsport also needs engineers to make cars, mechanics to support races, and various other staff.

Haas is, to put it one way, an extremely compact team. Despite its size, it continues to take on the big guys.

I felt that such a team would offer a tremendous learning environment, which is why I decided to take the first step.

Even so, this will no doubt take time. It takes time for people to grow and for the world to change.

To begin with, I hope that more people will show an interest in motorsports and respect for F1, the pinnacle of racing. We look forward to your continued support for many years to come.

Why do you believe that withdrawing from F1 (in 2009) was the right decision?

Morizo

I feel that, back then, Toyota was more focused on becoming a bigger company than making ever-better cars.

As the president, I decided that activities such as F1 didn’t really fit a company seeking to become larger by pursuing sales and profits.

Today, we have transformed into a company focused on making ever-better cars and motorsport-driven carmaking. We need the people who can make that happen.

Because we haven’t been involved in the sport (F1) for a long time, we may be starting from zero, or perhaps even worse, but I hope you will support Toyota’s commitment to putting people first.

Like old friends

Morizo and Team Principal Komatsu, what resonated with each of you in that first meeting? What words gave a sense of the other’s passion, and what left a strong impression?

Morizo

To be honest, I couldn’t believe it was our first time meeting. I felt like we had already met and talked somewhere before.

I don’t think either of us even said, “Nice to meet you.” It was like the conversation just started rolling the moment we met.

Truthfully, for me, it felt like catching up with someone who I’d been talking to for a long, long time and just chatting about what we’re going to do.

Team Principal Komatsu

Exactly the same for me. It’s not like I hadn’t known about Chairman Akio Toyoda before we met, but…

Morizo

What image did you have of me?

Team Principal Komatsu

In my mind, Toyota seemed like a very large, strait-laced company.

Morizo

A bureaucratic pain in the neck?

Team Principal Komatsu

A place with hefty inertia, where getting anything done takes time.

As already mentioned, looking on from afar, this was the person who quit F1. I couldn’t understand why you would quit!

We needed to create a motorsports culture, yet the Japanese manufacturers kept coming and going. Even at our first meeting, I brought that up and told Morizo that I really wanted it to stop.

We threw off all reserve, and I was able to ask him frankly, “Why did you do that (withdraw from F1)?” That’s what it was like. You wouldn’t imagine that happening, normally.

It really felt like we had known each other a long time, and we had a wonderful conversation. I honestly thought, what an honor to be able to work with someone who is driven by such inspirations and ideas.

I feel very fortunate to have had such an encounter in my life. Now, the only thing left is to make the most of it, and I’m determined to ensure that we do.

Perhaps it was inevitable that two individuals who are used to taking on the world would hit it off. Cars bearing the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing name will take to the track from the upcoming United States Grand Prix, to be staged on Haas’s home soil in October.

Takamoto Katsuta was the star of the final day as he completed an excellent return to action, claiming the maximum 12 points on offer by topping both the Super Sunday classification and the rally-ending Power Stage.

Following a short break in his season as he sat out the previous round in Chile, Katsuta showed good confidence and pace from the start of the all-asphalt CER, while also driving smartly when the often-slippery conditions required a more cautious approach. Pushing harder on Sunday, he was quickest on the first pass through the Passauer Land test and again when he returned for the Power Stage.

Finishing fourth overall, Katsuta and co-driver Aaron Johnston were quickest across Sunday by 3.8 seconds ahead of team-mates Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin, who scored a second successive podium in second place and were third in the Power Stage.

Together, the efforts of Evans and Katsuta meant TGR-WRT scored two points more than its main rival Hyundai this weekend, closing the gap to 15 points ahead of next month’s final round at Rally Japan – where a maximum score across the event would be enough to claim another title.

Evans had been part of a close battle for the victory which was led by TGR’s Sébastien Ogier coming into the final day. While a wide moment meant he conceded the lead to Ott Tänak (Hyundai) in the first stage of the day, Ogier responded to reduce the gap to 1.5s with two stages to go. Continuing to push hard, he then unfortunately slid wide on a muddy corner in SS17 and hit a tree, forcing him and navigator Vincent Landais out on the spot.

Sami Pajari and co-driver Enni Mälkönen suffered a similar fate in the first stage of the morning, bringing a slightly early end to another impressive outing in a GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID – his first on asphalt and third in total. Pajari was on for another top-six finish overall as he continued his learning process at the highest level, gaining more valuable experience.

As planned, Pajari will return to driving the GR Yaris Rally2 car at Rally Japan where he has a chance to claim the WRC2 championship title if he can finish in the top two in the category.

The GR Yaris Rally2 car took second place on the WRC2 podium at CER in the hands of Czech driver Filip Mareš and the Toyota Dolak team.

Quotes:
Akio Toyoda (TGR-WRT Chairman)
“To the team, and all our fans,
‘We hate to lose!’ That is the slogan of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team.
We absolutely hate losing and will never give up.
We will definitely win at Rally Japan!”

Jari-Matti Latvala (Team Principal)
“I’m happy with the really strong results of Elfyn and Takamoto on this rally and especially today, they have really helped the team to keep the championship alive. Seb was naturally very disappointed after his accident which was very unfortunate because he was again very fast here. After that, it was looking like we might lose some points, but in the end thanks to Taka and Elfyn we gained two on our competition, so we are still in the game for Rally Japan: it’s in our hands if we aim for a one-two overall and full points on Sunday. We’re really happy for Taka especially: with time to reset he came back and did exactly what we needed him to do. He was careful when he needed to be, increased the confidence and then his performance on Sunday was coming naturally. With Sami, his performance was growing all the time on asphalt. It was just a small mistake this morning and he paid a big penalty but that’s part of the learning process and the next goal for him is to fight for the WRC2 title in Japan.”

Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33)
“It’s not been a bad weekend for us. Together with Scott we come away as the crew that scored the most points and we have to be somewhat satisfied about that and it’s good for the team. Maybe we were not always setting the stage times alight, but we had some strong moments and it was quite a consistent weekend. We were missing a little bit here and there but we’re here at the end in second place and we can be reasonably happy with that. In terms of manufacturers’ points we took a little hit today unfortunately but it wasn’t bad on that side so at least we’re still in the game and it’s all open for Rally Japan.”

Sébastien Ogier (Driver car 17)
“I feel really very sorry for the team for what happened today. In this penultimate stage the first corner going under the trees was much muddier than I anticipated and I just understeered wide and hit the tree on the outside. The route note crews did not have the chance to pass through this stage before us so I didn’t have the information in my notes, but this is no excuse because I’m behind the wheel and the other drivers didn’t make the same mistake. Right now I feel very disappointed, especially for the team because it could have been a strong weekend for us. It’s been three rallies in a row where we clearly have the speed but not the result at the end. Thanks to Elfyn and Taka we still have a chance in the championship at Rally Japan and we will try our best again there.”

Takamoto Katsuta (Driver car 18)
“I want to say a huge thanks to the team for the incredible support they gave me through some difficult moments in the last two months. It’s been a very tough season for myself so I felt a lot of pressure to do a good job here, but we are able to do it with full points on Super Sunday and the Power Stage as well as fourth overall. I was really enjoying the driving and the feeling in the car, and I’m really happy to finish the rally with this result. Of course we have still one rally to go at Rally Japan and I will try to do my best there together with the team. We never give up and we keep pushing.”

Sami Pajari (Driver car 5)
“In the first stage today I went a bit wide on one corner and we were maybe a bit unlucky to roll so easily, but it was my mistake. It’s a pity and I’m sorry for the team. I just need to learn from this, understand what happened and be better in the future. Up to then, the rally had been really nice for us, every day was really clean, and there was clear development through the weekend. I got quite a nice feeling with the car and did some decent stage times, and most importantly we learned a lot. These three rallies in the Rally1 car have been really amazing, a dream come true for me and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. Now I look forward to doing my best at Rally Japan in WRC2.”

PROVISIONAL FINAL CLASSIFICATION, CENTRAL EUROPEAN RALLY
1 Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) 2h37m34.6s
2 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +7.0s
3 Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) +39.8s
4 Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +1m21.0s
5 Grégoire Munster/Louis Louka (Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID) +3m41.9s
6 Nikolay Gryazin/Konstantin Aleksandrov (Citroën C3 Rally2) +9m17.6s
7 Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +9m34.1s
8 Filip Mareš/Radovan Bucha (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) +11m41.5s
9 Miko Marczyk/Szymon Gospodarczyk (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +12m10.6s
10 Kajetan Kajetanowicz/Maciej Szczepaniak (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +12m20.3s
Retired Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID)
Retired Sami Pajari/Enni Mälkönen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID)
(Results as of 17:00 on Sunday, for the latest results please visit www.wrc.com)

2024 FIA World Rally Championship for drivers after round 12:
1 Thierry Neuville 225 points
2 Ott Tänak 200
3 Elfyn Evans 185
4 Sébastien Ogier 166
5 Adrien Fourmaux 146
6 Kalle Rovanperä 114
7 Takamoto Katsuta 102
8 Dani Sordo 44
9 Sami Pajari 41
10 Gregoire Munster 37

2024 FIA World Rally Championship for manufacturers after round12:
1 Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team 526 points
2 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team 511
3 M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 267

What’s next?
The season will conclude on home roads for TGR at Rally Japan on November 21-24. The event, which returned to the WRC calendar in 2022, is held on demanding asphalt roads in the mountains of the Aichi and Gifu prefectures, around the service park in Toyota City near Nagoya.

Source: https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2024/rd12-day4/

In a groundbreaking move, CFAO Mobility in Zambia has set a new standard for customer interaction with the launch of the Toyota Zambia WhatsApp Channel on 17th October 2024. As Zambia’s first automobile WhatsApp channel, and a pioneering initiative within the CFAO community, this innovation redefines how we connect with our customers.

At CFAO Mobility we continue to lead the way in enhancing customer engagement in the Automobile sector, offering unmatched convenience and accessibility directly through the customer’s smartphone. The future of interaction with Toyota is now just a message away.

Driving Innovation in Customer Interaction

At CFAO Mobility Zambia, we take pride in being at the forefront of automotive innovation. The launch of the Toyota WhatsApp Channel marks a significant leap forward, transforming how our customers experience the Toyota brand. No more waiting for showroom visits or lengthy website searches, everything from the latest model arrivals to exclusive promotions is now available at your fingertips. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that our clients never miss an opportunity to stay ahead in the world of Toyota.

Your Direct Connection to Toyota Excellence

Our Toyota Zambia WhatsApp Channel is more than just a communication tool; it is a direct line to the heart of the Toyota experience. Whether customers are in the market for a new vehicle, ordering in need of ordering Toyota parts or simply staying informed about our latest developments, the channel offers a fast, seamless, and convenient way to engage with Toyota. Staying connected has never been easier, and we’re excited to bring this experience to our loyal customers and stakeholders at large.

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead

In today’s fast-paced world, our WhatsApp Channel ensures that our customers stay informed in real time. From exciting new model launches to exclusive, time-sensitive offers, the channel provides instant updates that keep our clients in the loop. With personalized notifications and critical updates delivered instantly, making informed decisions has never been more convenient. At CFAO Mobility Zambia, we are committed to keeping our customers ahead of the curve, and this channel is designed to do just that.

Why Join the Toyota Zambia WhatsApp Channel?

Here’s what they will experience:

• Exclusive Offers: we will ensure they are first to hear about limited time deals and promotions on the latest Toyota models.
• Instant Updates: Receive real-time notifications on vehicle arrivals, special offers, and key announcements.
• Unmatched Convenience: Access all the information needed with just a message, anytime, anywhere, directly from your phone.

By launching this innovative channel, CFAO Mobility Zambia once again demonstrates its leadership and dedication to bringing Toyota’s world-class products and services closer to our customers. With a strong focus on convenience and connectivity, we are raising the bar for customer interaction.

Join us on this exciting journey! 

Subscribe to the Toyota WhatsApp Channel today from the link below and experience Toyota in a whole new way, right at your fingertips.https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarBnbrK5cDNMN2S7W3m

CFAO Mobility Zambia was proud to serve as the full sponsor of the Golf Day event held on 12th October 2024 at Kansanshi Golf Club in Solwezi, Northwestern Province. The event, situated in the heart of the mining community, provided an excellent platform for golfers, customers, and stakeholders to connect while showcasing CFAO Mobility’s dedication to community engagement and support for local industries.

One of the highlights of the day was the display of the all-new Land Cruiser Prado. Attendees had the unique opportunity to experience this iconic vehicle up close, with the CFAO Mobility team on hand to provide insights into its exceptional performance, advanced technical features, and durability—qualities that have made the Land Cruiser Prado a trusted choice for both city driving and rugged terrain.

The event was not only an opportunity to present one of our finest vehicles but also a reflection of CFAO Mobility’s commitment to being an active participant in the communities we serve. In Solwezi, a region where the mining sector plays a pivotal role, we recognize the importance of building strong relationships with both individuals and businesses. Events like these allow us to support activities that promote wellness, teamwork, and engagement within these communities.

The day concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, followed by insightful speeches from Mr. Peter Bloomfield, Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Dino Bianchi, Country Delegate. Their remarks underscored CFAO Mobility’s dedication to delivering excellence, not only through our range of vehicles but also through our investment in the communities that rely on them.

The event wrapped up on a positive note, with great networking opportunities and a strengthened sense of partnership. CFAO Mobility remains committed to supporting such events in the future, reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in Zambia’s vibrant communities.

This serves to inform our esteemed customers and the public that all CFAO Mobility Branches will be closed for business on Saturday 19th October 2024 for system migration. Normal Business operations will resume on Monday, 21st October 2024.

Any inconvenience this may cause is deeply regretted.

BY MANAGEMENT

CFAO MOBILITY ZAMBIA LTD

At CFAO Mobility, we’re thrilled to celebrate Customer Service Week with you, our valued customers! This week, we take a moment to recognize and appreciate the trust and loyalty you’ve shown us throughout our journey.

Our Theme: ‘Above and Beyond’

This year’s international theme is ‘Above and Beyond’ – a commitment to continuously exceed your expectations. From the moment you engage with us, we strive to deliver exceptional service, ensuring that your experience with CFAO Mobility is nothing short of outstanding.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We are incredibly grateful to you for being such an important part of our success. Your support drives us to improve and innovate, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with the excellence you deserve.

Thank you for choosing CFAO Mobility. Here’s to many more years of partnership and service!