Thank you to our main sponsor - Suzuki GB

It’s taken over 100 years for Suzuki to become one of the world’s leading car manufacturers. The Suzuki story has been one of commitment and continuous technical innovation. Their history shows a pioneering spirit, from which ground breaking technologies continue to emerge. The Suzuki brand has embraced creativity and enthusiasm and 50,000 people in 196 countries continue to surpass customers expectations. Having said all that, Suzuki as a company is one of the smallest of the modern Japanese success stories. Their support to The Ultimate Challenge however, has been anything but. Their involvement in the project has gone way beyond that of a typical sponsor.

The Jimny, chosen by the Ultimate Challenge, is one of the longer running vehicles in the Suzuki stable and has an extensive, loyal fan base. Les chose the Suzuki Jimny for three reasons. Firstly their robustness and reliability, he wanted to do the journey with standard vehicles that have only been prepared to protect the most vulnerable parts, so other than that they will be using the standard off the shelf Suzuki Jimnys. Secondly, they didn’t like the idea of doing the journey in big luxury 4x4’s with all mod con’s, basically a cushy journey. Thirdly, and probably the most important, if we sustain damage, break something, or it just stops, we will probably be able to fix it, with the help from the Suzuki worldwide dealer network that is!!

Suzuki as the main sponsor for the Ultimate Challenge have been outstanding in their support. Not only have they provided support for the vehicles, but they have lent weight in the crucial area of PR and the growing media interest is due mainly to Alun Parry and Jade Wells. And the support hasn't been limited Alun and Jade, it has extended all the way to the MD in the UK Mr Yoshinobu Abe as the photo shows. 

Beyond the UK, Les, in addition to his full itinerary, will be visiting major dealerships across Europe, Japan, Canada and North America where they are also joining the fund raising activities. In Bensheim they've raised 1000 Euros and will be presenting that to Les when he visits. We really can't thank them enough for the support and guidance they have provided to The Ultimate Challenge.