HIV activist Joachim Franz leads expedition through 50 countries

Hannover, 29 April 2011. In the tenth year of the World Aids Awareness Expedition (WAAE), Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are once again supporting extreme athlete Joachim Franz in his fight against HIV, with the company supplying five Volkswagen Amarok with special fittings and equipment for the “Move the world Tour”. This year, the adventurer’s team is travelling in a “W” shape over the globe: The expedition began last week in Vancouver, Canada, and at the moment the convoy is under way in Central America, heading for Argentina. From there the journey continues through Europe, southwards again to South Africa, then back up to Egypt and on to Russia and China, with the final leg leading to Australia. In the process, the participants are aiming to travel through 50 countries in 100 days.

Harald Schomburg, Member of the Brand Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for Sales and Marketing, sees great advantages for both sides in the co-operation: “Apart from the social responsibility to which we have shown our commitment in the co-operation with Joachim Franz, campaigns like these are always a real “acid test” for our vehicles, with people and technology alike being taken to the limits of what is physically possible”.

While the partnership arrangement with Joachim Franz and his team is already in its tenth year, the Amarok is making its debut as the operations vehicle for the expedition. The Amarok is the ideal choice to have on the team, bearing in mind the ambitious target of covering 65,000 kilometres in 100 days under the toughest, most demanding conditions, having already proved its reliability as an escort and support vehicle on the Dakar Rally. The expedition team will be faced with a whole range of extreme situations on their journey, but, whether it be the dusty heat on the East African Highway or icebound passes in the Andes, the pickup was built to deal with these conditions, and to get to places where other vehicles simply cannot go.

Thanks to its 4MOTION all-wheel drive, offroad ABS, and the electronic stabilizing programme, the Amarok is the best possible vehicle to carry the adventurers on their way, in safety and in comfort. And, fitted with hardtop and sleeper cab, the Amarok becomes a real home from home for these bold people taking part.