Around the world in a mini truck

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Well, we're going to give you a sneak preview of our official announcement for the New Year. Japan Car Exports has entered the Mongol Rally. http://mongolrally.theadventurists.com/

We will begin the journey from London England and go in the Mongol Rally all the way to Ulan Bataar Mongolia. From there, we're going to continue on to Russia, by boat back to Japan, then from Japan to Vancouver. From Vancouver we are planning of visiting our clients in North America and end our journey either in Nova Scotia or Maine.

So, it looks like we'll be the first official team to go around the world in a mini truck! Since the Mongol Rally is an official rally that allows vehicles with engines under 1L, we saw it fitting to participate. The Mongol Rally organizers are particular about media attention and sponsorship dollars, so we'll be looking for sponsors for our second leg of the journey only.

One of the purposes of going around the world is to show how rugged these trucks can be. If the deserts of Mongolia, Steppes of Russia, and Roads of Uzbeckistan can't slow a mini truck down, then the forests and fields of the US and Canada shouldn't either!

Another purpose is for the sheer adventure. As a company, we want to do something that is truely unique, offers our sponsors a cool thing to participate in and have a team experience.

We plan on bring global attention to small-engine vehicles. To show that a small engine can conquor most terrains its put in will only enhance the appeal of mini trucks. For Canadians in particular, this is a great chance to prove that mini trucks deserve to be on the road and help promote the lessening of age restrictions imposed on them (currently the Canadian government allows for Japanese imports of 15-years or older). I think they should allow small engine imports of 5 years or older.

We're going to be looking for sponsors and supporters for the around-the-world trip, tentively named "Around the World in 660cc". Our Mongol Rally team name is "Smaller is Better". We'll be looking for sponsors in the New Year.

We have good connections with Japanese media and plan on press releases and tv coverage. We'll be issueing statements and promoting the crap out of this trip. All sponsors and paid supporters will be on any printed material we hand out. We can't do this trip without them!

Since we haven't made the "official" announcement, we haven't put anything on our website yet. We do have a small, and in-the-works, Mongol Rally website at http://mongolrally08.theadventurists.com/660cc

[Wolfman]

Cool plan. I'd love to see you guys push the pundits in the U.S. government to lift their restrictions as well.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Ya, some people are for it, so aren't.

But, I don't want to be political about it. The adventure is for its own sake, and anything else is gravy!

[Subaru]

:cool:
Very cool to see an exporter going to the extreme and doing something of this nature.I am looking forward to seeing you cruise through town someday-maybe even entering a parade or two.You get my vote as #1 exporter just for promoting mini trucks and their capabilities.
By the way,what is going to be your choice of rides?;);)

[Wolfman]

I think they oughta do it in style, and use a Sambar S/C. :D

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Well, we're still not sure. As our team site says, I personally like Suzuki and Subaru. I've driven Subarus here and like them. I was driving one for most of the summer, but sold it.

What we will be doing is modifying the body. We have to think about how two guys will also be comfortable, and have the capability for sleeping in it or near it. Most of the rally will be out in the open road where there are no hotels. In small towns, we have to be in it so the truck/gear isn't stolen.

[Acerguy]

Wow! That's amazing. I'll be watching!!

[unclejemima]

Good for you! Looking forward in hearing more!
-mark

[Colin]

Cool! Keep us informed! :D

[gbrad]

Hi Steven,

That sounds like a great adventure. I know you've probably already thought of it, but you need a couple of digital movie cameras to document this sojourn.

I watched Ewen McGregor and one of his buddies do something similar on BMW motorcycles last year. It was broadcast on one of the cable channels in installments and some of the best parts were when they would interact with locals along the way.

Some good off-road mud and sand wipe outs too. They camped out in small tents most nights.

This could be great for mini trucks.

Glen

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Hi Steven,

That sounds like a great adventure. I know you've probably already thought of it, but you need a couple of digital movie cameras to document this sojourn.

I watched Ewen McGregor and one of his buddies do something similar on BMW motorcycles last year. It was broadcast on one of the cable channels in installments and some of the best parts were when they would interact with locals along the way.

Some good off-road mud and sand wipe outs too. They camped out in small tents most nights.

This could be great for mini trucks.

Glen

The "Long Way Around" is also part of the inspiration to the journey. Ewan and Charlie Borman showed us how to do it in a motorcycle (with a support team). We're probably not going to have a support team since we'll carry our own gear.

Camping will be a big part of the trip, and we're going to modify the truck to accomodate at least a tarp to pull out and cover a certain area. The one worry we have is weather, and we're going to have a solid structure over our gear. it will most likely be lower than the rear window so as not to impeed the rear view.

We've been throwing around ideas within the team, but its open for suggestions too! If anyone has something to add, PLEASE DO SO!!!

[canoebuildah]

I'd like to offer to host you when you get to Maine. I am one hour northwest of Portland and 45 minutes from Mt Washington, NH. You can get a lot of publicity if you take your minitruck up the http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/. There are two dealers here in Maine. One about 45 minutes south of Portland and the other is in Northern Maine which would be on your way to Nova Scotia.

As far as covering your bed, you might consider contacting tonneau cover manufacturers. From what I can tell, most trucks have the same size bed (except Jumbo cabs). See if they will develop a prototype that you can then market to dealers and owners during your trip.

Here are a few popular brands in the US:

Access Cover http://www.agricover.com (my favorite)
Extang http://www.extang.com
Truxedo http://www.truxedo.com

[Youngauto]

Great Idea. Can`t wait to see pics / videos of it.
Wish I could go on an adventure too.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

I'd like to offer to host you when you get to Maine. I am one hour northwest of Portland and 45 minutes from Mt Washington, NH. You can get a lot of publicity if you take your minitruck up the http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/. There are two dealers here in Maine. One about 45 minutes south of Portland and the other is in Northern Maine which would be on your way to Nova Scotia.


Thanks for that. Let's talk about it in the New Year, but this is what we're going to look for. With our visit to a sponsor, we'd be hoping they can use it as a media event to promote their business. Having us visit with the around-the-world mini truck (and one we can drive there) will be of interest to local media I'm sure.



As far as covering your bed, you might consider contacting tonneau cover manufacturers. From what I can tell, most trucks have the same size bed (except Jumbo cabs). See if they will develop a prototype that you can then market to dealers and owners during your trip.

Here are a few popular brands in the US:

Access Cover http://www.agricover.com (my favorite)
Extang http://www.extang.com
Truxedo http://www.truxedo.com

Cool, thanks for the ideas. I didn't think about those types. A hard top will be something we're going to think about!

[frostback]

Very cool Steve, I can't wait to see the prepped truck! What about using one of the box van style trucks? Fully lockable hardcanopy and you could build bunks in the back and still have lots of storage. Lots of real estate for sponser decals. ;)

I think Subaru is better recognized in N/A than Daihatsu and they certainly have more rally heritage.:D

Derek

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Very cool Steve, I can't wait to see the prepped truck! What about using one of the box van style trucks? Fully lockable hardcanopy and you could build bunks in the back and still have lots of storage. Lots of real estate for sponser decals. ;)

I think Subaru is better recognized in N/A than Daihatsu and they certainly have more rally heritage.:D

Derek

Hey Derek,
Hmm...thanks for the idea about Subaru. It seems like there is more lobbying for Subaru than any other. I do like the fact that if we extend the cabin, we don't have to build over the engine, as would be the case with Daihatsu. And, the rally connection does make sense. We'd most likely install a sort of engine shield to protect it from rocks and debris.

And, the extra space for sponor decals makes a lot of sense. Something like the box on your truck we got sitting here?

[Acerguy]

You've seen the Subaru World Rally Team Sambar van that they use for trucking tires around? http://www.subaru-msm.com/global/feature/letterSWRT/85.html

[Japan_Car_Exports]

You've seen the Subaru World Rally Team Sambar van that they use for trucking tires around? http://www.subaru-msm.com/global/feature/letterSWRT/85.html


Boy oh boy, lots of support for Subaru! Nice link, thanks. We were even thinking of that sort of van, but it would take away from the idea of kei trucks and end up as a kei vehicle. We're going to go with an original kei truck, and just do the mods.

Subaru is slowly moving up in our list!

[Acerguy]

Well if you really got to have a truck....

(there are a couple of Sambar WRC-look-alikes running around Japan) :D

To be honest though, I don't wonder if the newer, longer wheelbase Suzuki might be a more comfortable ride than the cab forward style like the Subaru or Daihatsu.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Well if you really got to have a truck....

(there are a couple of Sambar WRC-look-alikes running around Japan) :D

To be honest though, I don't wonder if the newer, longer wheelbase Suzuki might be a more comfortable ride than the cab forward style like the Subaru or Daihatsu.

I've actually seen one like this. It may have been the same one, since it looks like this truck is in Mie, which is next to Nagoya.

I haven't had any issues driving a Subaru and was doing so as a daily driver in the summer. I'm the tallest of the team, so if I fit, the other guys will. They are all under 6foot, whereas I'm 6'2''. We would most likely extend the cab and the seat rails so we can go back farther. This would help when one guy wants to sleep (the passenger of course).

[Colin]

You say "seat rails" - does this imply that some of the Sambars have adjustable seats? Mine are fixed.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

You say "seat rails" - does this imply that some of the Sambars have adjustable seats? Mine are fixed.

I had one that with moving seats. We'd at least outfit the rally truck with moveable seats!

[jpfanne]

Steve,
Have you planned a route through the United States yet? Interested to see if you get close to me. I think it would be cool to have some mini truck shows along the way and get the locals to come out and see your truck and have some dealers and owners there to show off theirs.

Jeff

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Hi Jeff,
Well, we'll be traveling to our sponsors/dealers for that very reason of showing the locals an on-road mini truck that travelled around the world. We'll be looking for sponsors in the new year and planning our route accordingly!

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Over the next week we're going to decide on the truck to use. I've asked several of our dealers and the majority is suggesting Suzuki because of the axle look/diff lock. This feature, above all others, will make or break the rally.

BUT, any other suggestions and reasons why?

[frostback]

Keep in mind that this is a "crap car" rally and you don't want to show up looking too prepared. I was wondering if you even want 4WD in a rally where most competitors are driving cars. Austin Minis, Skodas, Fiats and Citroen 2CVs are your competition, so I'd be considering a 2WD. I read about a couple from Baltimore who raced a Hijet van last year that was purchased on Ebay. I don't know if it was 2WD or 4WD though.

The only minitruck that is unavailable with a difflock is the Mitsubishi, so not really a feature unique to Suzuki. Axle lock only locks the front hubs which isn't that big a deal. The Suzuki would be cool but I'd rather be in a Subaru for a journey like that. More room, less noise and better handling are just a few reasons.

Derek

[BLES]

You say "seat rails" - does this imply that some of the Sambars have adjustable seats? Mine are fixed.

My drivers seat is aadjustable. Is that not normal? I really can't imagine too many people moving it anyway. I have it all the way back and I'm only about 5'8" and 155lbs.

BLES

[geoffreyr66]

Steven!
That is fantastic! I'll be cheering my support. And I'll be looking for you when you reach Canadian soil. If timing is right perhaps we canucks can convoy with you for a short section in our mini trucks! I'll be paying close attention.
geo

[BLES]

Just like shopping for a mini... all the makes have their unique features that make them desirable. I can't resist, though.... gotta vote for the Sub!!

BLES

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Well, we're getting more support for Subarus than others.

We do have to make a final decision soon. Which will it be....

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Keep in mind that this is a "crap car" rally and you don't want to show up looking too prepared.
Derek


That is true, but since we're wanting to visit our sponsors, we have to show up in something that they would sell to their clients. I think 4WD is the way to go. I don't want the team to be stranded in some huge pothole in the middle of Kazakstan or Uzbekestan and need to get a pull from a yak.

That being said, we want to go around the world too. I just like the idea of having 4WD just in case, but Derek is right, most Mongol rally people do it in 2WD cars and they leave the cars in Mongolia. We need to finish the rally, then go through to Russia, all the way to Japan, and then bring the truck to North America. We're going a lot further, and want to have every advantage we can!

Funny thing, last Friday we got a call from an Englishman who is submitting a proposal to some sponsors to take a brand new Land Rover around the world. I told him about our trip. What a coinsidence! His last name is also Smith too!We're going to help him get his Land Rover from Japan to Vancouver. He's going a few weeks ahead of us (not on the Mongol Rally).

[geoffreyr66]

I'm a little more partial to Suzuki. However with the engine in the back Subaru makes for a quieter ride. At the end of the day( and may hours) this would be desirable.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

What we should really do is take out a few on the highway and take them up to 90kph and see which is noisier. I'm sure you're right geoffreyr66, the Subaru is probably quieter.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

So, we've decided to go with Subaru. The main reason is that its a rear-engine so sound will be less of an issue.

[Colin]

Good choice, 'course I'm a bit biased. :D

[frostback]

Here's some shelter ideas, maybe on a hard tonneu or up on a rack. It's much nicer and safer not having to sleep on the ground. I sure as hell wouldn't want to try to sleep in a minitruck but I have a feeling they will. Good rest will go a long way in an epic trip like this one.

http://okanaganautohome.com/home.php

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Here's some shelter ideas, maybe on a hard tonneu or up on a rack. It's much nicer and safer not having to sleep on the ground. I sure as hell wouldn't want to try to sleep in a minitruck but I have a feeling they will. Good rest will go a long way in an epic trip like this one.

http://okanaganautohome.com/home.php

Excellent. Funny thing, I was speaking with someone today about our design for the sleeping shelter. We're going to build something similar on the flatbed but have one of the sides extend out. The flatbed would have an upper and lower section. We'd have the tent covering the upper section.

[minitruck.ca]

Steven Your adventure sounds like fun. I am in for sponsorship and if you need a place to stay here. Your welcome. We can arrainge media contacts and I have contacts in the Insurance Co as well. Can put you up in a place in California if need be too. Let me know.
Todd:)

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Thanks for that Todd.

I missed bidding on a Subaru SC. I finally saw one and was slightly conservative on the bid. ****!

We're planning our route and starting to work on visas now.

In the works is a Japanese tv personality getting involved and doing a show on us.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Update: I lost out on bidding for an Sambar SC so I've asked our parts supplier for a SC engine. May be crazy, but we'll see if it can work.

The guys are thinking of using tents instead of building a sleeping space on the flatbed. My brother (one of the drivers to Mongolia) is going the cushy route and wants to stay in hotels. I'll make sure he pays for himself!

We're having a design meeting on Monday and will discuss the "secret" money locations (in other words, if the team is held-up, they can give money from their pockets but will have most of their stash hidden).

[Acerguy]

I'd recommend reading "Adventure Capitalist" by Jim Rogers (http://www.jimrogers.com/). Interesting accound of driving around the world. Goes into money hiding places and all kinds of interesting things. Good reading.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

I'd recommend reading "Adventure Capitalist" by Jim Rogers (http://www.jimrogers.com/). Interesting accound of driving around the world. Goes into money hiding places and all kinds of interesting things. Good reading.

Thanks for that. I'll order it on amazon. I'll make it manditory reading for the team!

Update on Monday!

[Acerguy]

As I said, it a good read but it's really more about investing and exploring than a "how to" for this sort of travel. But might be helpful.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

So we had our design meeting and have come up with the design for the Subaru. We've decided on keeping it simple, but will shock you all with what we're going to do with it. More on that when we get the process going since we think we'll also have a market for the design.

We've also decided on not having the truck accomodate a tent. Part of the feature of the truck is how one person can sleep in it.

We're going to add an reserve fuel tank. We're going to strength the suspension. I want to add an extra set of headlights about the front windshield. The lights will be "built in".

That's it for now!

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Well, we've decided on a Subaru Super Charged Automatic (I know, I know) with ECVT transmission. And, its a van rather than a truck. We decided on this because this van is totally awesome. Its fast, its smooth, and it has the ability to take a 3rd passenger. We thought it was important just in case we need to pick someone up to get directions.
Photos to follow.

[unclejemima]

Cant wait!!! Sounds awesome!!!
-mark

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Just an update:
The mini truck is a 660cc Subaru Sambar Super Charged with ECVT transmission (a smoother ride).

As you all know, we're starting on July 18 from London England, traveling first to Ulan Bataar Mongolia in the Mongol Rally, then on through part of China, then to Russia to catch a ferry to Japan. Then we'll ship it out to Vancouver BC, and what route from there is all up to our friends and clients. We plan on finishing in Halifax Nova Scotia (Canada) some time in late September.

The people in the picture attached are (from l to r) Joel Hage, Steve Smith, Anderson Rocha and Shawn Smith. Joel and Shawn will start the rally in London and travel to Mongolia. Shawn will depart and Anderson will take over from Ulan Bataar to Japan. Steve will be doing the North American leg and will finish in Halifax.

The team picture makes us look like a cheesy 70's rock band, and I love it!

[Gawdzuki]

The team picture makes us look like a cheesy 70's rock band, and I love it!

The Monkeys??? :rolleyes:


Just kidding

[Acerguy]

Nice. But Steve, is your head really that much bigger than the others? :p:D

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Everyone has been saying that! Its perspective...I'm in the front (front-man)! That's all...

[Acerguy]

Phew! That's a relief. So you're not some genetic freak...not that there's anything WRONG with that... :D

[dayspowersports]

great ideal steve. this will help the mini to become much more respected. hope to see it in the usa. will be in touch soon.

[unclejemima]

This is great guys!
-mark

[flefitz]

Great idea, would like to see this state issue plates again for these trucks,they tried it for a couple of years and then other big interests put in their two cents,and so the state stopped letting people register for road use. many people in this state and other states use registered golf carts on the roads,with plates,however golf carts are not in the grey market and don't step on some peoples toe's ???????? exposure will be good. be a kie freek

[spaceagegirl]

that sounds great! is your minivan an old banger or newish?

[kmoneil]

Good luck on the trip!

[Acerguy]

Steve, any updates?

[Japan_Car_Exports]

that sounds great! is your minivan an old banger or newish?

The Subaru van will be a 1993 model.

Some updates: we've put together a sponsor package, identified a very good NGO to support (other than the Mongol Rally NGOs) here in Japan, getting the many visas in order.

Also, we'll be on local radio soon (in Japanese, but I'll have one of our team interpret), and we're going to be featured in a nationwide magazine called Japanzine. That's just the start!

[Colin]

You should document your exploits on video, then release a DVD, a la IMV Films (http://www.imvfilms.com/). :D

[Japan_Car_Exports]

We will be doing a video of it. Our media staff will be compiling all the video once we've finished the whole rally, including my part in North America.

We're still looking for support to make it happen!

[LAZ 1]

Sounds like a real good time and a really great place to work.

I've been looking into the Mongol Rally myself .... maybe next year . If I did it, I'd probably pick up a Daihatsu Hijet 4X4 in England, where the motors are 1000 CC.

My 92 Hijet 4X4, with the 660 CC and a 4 spd, is licensed in BC, Canada, and is my daily driver. Top speed is 108 Kph, but comfortable cruising speed is around 90 - 100 Kph. Long trips in my Hijet are OK, but I repeatedly keep reaching for the shift lever, hoping that a 5th gear will magically appear. And, going over a mountain [ or even a serious molehill ] is definitely a third gear type of thing.

If you can make it around the world in one of these, you should qualify for some type of award from the Guiness book of records.
good luck

LAZ 1

[kargador]

Just an update:
The mini truck is a 660cc Subaru Sambar Super Charged with ECVT transmission (a smoother ride).

As you all know, we're starting on July 18 from London England, traveling first to Ulan Bataar Mongolia in the Mongol Rally, then on through part of China, then to Russia to catch a ferry to Japan. Then we'll ship it out to Vancouver BC, and what route from there is all up to our friends and clients. We plan on finishing in Halifax Nova Scotia (Canada) some time in late September.

The people in the picture attached are (from l to r) Joel Hage, Steve Smith, Anderson Rocha and Shawn Smith. Joel and Shawn will start the rally in London and travel to Mongolia. Shawn will depart and Anderson will take over from Ulan Bataar to Japan. Steve will be doing the North American leg and will finish in Halifax.

The team picture makes us look like a cheesy 70's rock band, and I love it!

sounds like fun, good luck! :D

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Well, it looks like we are close to filling our sponsorship slots. If anyone has been thinking about it, please make decision soon, or there won't be any slots left on the van!

We have one main sponsor (tba) from Canada. We're looking for US sponsors too!

[Japan_Car_Exports]

I tried to post a photo here but couldn't. So, here's the attachment. I'm the goofy looking one with the hockey jersey.
From left to right: Anderson, Steve, Joel, Elmer. Missing, Shawn Smith (lives in Toronto and couldn't make it to Nagoya for the photo shoot. In the background is the Subaru Sambar 5speed Super Charger van we're driving. Yes, that's the van!

The other photo is of us trying to lift the front. We had if off the ground for a few seconds. I wasn't really helping...didn't want to do out my back.

We're still waiting on some sponsors. Get in now before the door closes!

We're shipping out the van in a couple of weeks. The colour is going to change to a yellow-orange, like the Land Rover Camel Trophy Rally colour. We have a Land Rover in our yard and I love that truck (originally bought for me, but not driving it---its a gas pig). We're in the last phase of equipment buying and installing new parts. On May 22, we load a container and send it out for Southampton for it to arrive on July3. The rally starts on July 19 in Hyde Park in London.

We figure it'll be 4 weeks to Mongolia, and another 10 days to Vladivostok Russia to take the ferry to Japan. I figure we'll start the North American leg in late September. Anyone want me to visit their dealership? You'll have to be a sponsor!

[Colin]

Very nice. :D

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Finally, the truck is painted and we're putting the final touches on it to send out on June 6.

Still waiting on sponsors. Space on the truck is still available. In fact, we haven't had any firm commitments yet, so the top sponsorship is still available. Lots of interest, but dollars yet!

We're waiting on our Japanese international license. We've made the roll-bar and are in the process of replacing the clutch. Got an extra battery, power converter (for the guys to use their computers), 1 set of highway tires and 1 set of off-road tires, a stereo with CD (I think they want to change it again so they can listen to an iPod. We're going tomorrow to buy the camping gear. My brother Shawn, who starts driving with Joel from London, sent a good list of gear to bring.

The route has been made. by Elmer. In fact, Elmer had to make the list of cities and countries so we could get the international license. I don't know why we needed to give that info, but at least we now know where we're going!

Elmer has created a blog. Please check out http://minivanmongolrally.wordpress.com/ for the latest news.

The staff held a fund raising event called "Crossing Borders" on Saturday and raised most of the money needed for the Mongol Rally charities (2000bucks). Over 120 people showed up, and there were lots of bands playing an assortment of styles of music. Everything from a retro-80's band to Japanese Shamisan (Japanese old-style guitar). We featured the newly-painted Rally Van and I stood outside most of the night talking to guests about the Rally, Mongoila, and why a bunch of people like us are doing this crazy journey. Too bad we didn't have sponsors to talk about...

[Tom's Mini Trucks]

Hey Steve,We spoke briefly about this I'd like to sponser if not too late
Tom

[Japan_Car_Exports]

The truck as left Japan! Flights have been booked and we're finally realizing this is going to happen!

[Japan_Car_Exports]

HI all,

Well, now is the time to go hat-in-hand asking for fellow minitrucktalk folks to donate to the charity we're supporting.

Please go to the sponsorship page at http://www.hopeglobalchallenge.com/participants.asp?id=70 . Any amount would be great. If you're in Canada or the US you'll be issued a tax receipt for the donation. Imagine that, doing something good and not paying tax on it!

Pledges aren't paid until the end, so if we fail, you don't pay!

Really need your help to build that school for boys and girls in a remote area of Afganistan where girls have never had a chance for an education. Your dollars gives the chance for a child to get an education. And, the school will have a solar panel and accompanying water well. So, its eco-friendly too (like our mini trucks).

Also, any donation means we'll write your name on the van and it'll go around the world with us! Cool!

Thanks for your support.

[Subaru]

Can I donate using PAYPAL?
ounds like a worthy cause Steve and JCE:)

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Can I donate using PAYPAL?
ounds like a worthy cause Steve and JCE:)

You can go to the link I provided and then you can later pay by credit card. So, its as easy as that.

Like I mentioned, Hope International will only as for the donation when we complete the rally.

Thanks for your support Subaru!

[Japan_Car_Exports]

We've been updating our site on the rally. Come check it out.

http://minivanmongolrally.wordpress.com

We lost our main sponsor...so, we're still looking!

[Japan_Car_Exports]

The guys are enroute to England now!

[gumballf355]

Do you guys have a list of everything you're bringing? Gas cans? Water? Toilet paper??!

[Subaru]

Good to hear Steve.
Its nice when things start to progress and the fun begins:D

Keep us all informed

[Colin]

Take lots of pictures and video! :D

[Stuff99]

it is almost time!

[Japan_Car_Exports]

To all people who can get CBC tv (in Canada and border of US).

Team Smaller is Better will be featured on CBC news this weekend!!!!!!

Well, thanks to my brother Shawn, who is my co-driver for the North American leg, team "Smaller is Better" will be on CBC news this weekend!!!!!! CBC arranged for a camera crew to interview Joel and Elmer in London (I called them today and they had already met up with the camera man). Shawn will be in the Toronto studio to talk with the news anchor about the rally, our mission and such. VERY EXCITING!!!

So, if you have a chance, it'll be on the weekend edition of the CBC news. Shawn will be at the studio from noon, but I don't know when it'll air. Perhaps the noon news or 5-6pm news? Anyhow, if you have a chance, please do tune in!!!

[Stuff99]

someone better youtube that news episode!!

[Subaru]

Sure wish I could get CBC
that you tube thing is a good idea;)

[Japan_Car_Exports]

It was on and will be repeated this weekend.

CBC News: Today: Weekend Edition

I heard it went well.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

Hey all,

Check out the latest news in our blog. The guys are about to hit the Russian border. Had some issues with the van, and the blog has some great stories to tell about the adventure, and the people they're meeting. I made a comment about the Bank of Transylvania ATM they were using. The machine says "I want to suck your blood" when you put in your card...then it takes your card and doesn't give it back.

[Colin]

Cool, thanks for the update. Interesting read for sure. :D

[Japan_Car_Exports]

QUICK UPDATE from Joel via cell phone e-mail, received this morning:

--quote---
we made it through the Russian border after 7 hours. lots of waiting. we crossed just in time to hear about the Russia/Georgia conflict which is not good for us considering US-Geogian ties. They are evacuating US citizens in Georgia. Anyway, we plan to find a hotel tonight and call the embassy tomorrow to see if there if there is anything to worry about. we also have to find another mechanic. We are going though gas very quickly and a mechanic in Odessa said that it was a fuel injector issue but he didn't haue the computer to deal with it.

We were ooly able to get 15 days of insurance for 90 USD. Hopefully we can make it to Mongolia before then. we'll try to get you updates tomorrow.
-end quote--

To say I'm a little worried is an understatement. So far they have had a great time, meeting locals and such. Now that war is in the area, I'm worried about them. They are traveling with another team from the US. Hopefully the police won't stop them too many times for bribes (we expect them to be stopped for no reason and have to pay bribes).

[Subaru]

Wowsers:eek:

Do keep us informed,and hopefully everything works out for the good.I will have my Sambars humm a special tune for them:D

[Japan_Car_Exports]

The guys have made it into Mongolia. The blog is really interesting. Please check it out.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

The blog was just updated. The story of the Mongol Rally vehicle graveyard is interesting. Most vehicles are in terrible shape. Our Subaru had problems before hitting Mongolia (just old parts) but seems to be holding up fine now.

It seems like we're the only team doing it in a minivan. But, seeing some of the vehicles other teams are driving is amazing. One team is driving a London double-decker bus, another is driving an ambulance, and two nuts have a London telephone booth straped to the top of their mini cooper (and they are wearing suits all through the rally)!

[Acerguy]

Fantastic. What an adventure.

[Colin]

Aye! This is great! :D

[kmoneil]

Great news Steven!

[Japan_Car_Exports]

They made it! They finished the Mongol Rally! The guys are hanging out there a couple of dates. Seems like there are lots of Japanese imports in Mongolia and we are trying to drum up some business! Blog has been updated.

[Japan_Car_Exports]

As for a few minutes ago, the guys are on the ferry from Vladisvostok Russia to Toyama Japan. They'll arrive on Wednesday morning and finish at our yard some time in the afternoon. They will have been gone for 9 week, travelled from London England thorugh France, Germany, Czech, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, the full length of Russia, almost full length of Mongolia, and finish after going over 15,000kms!

Not bad for a Subaru mini van with a 660cc engine.

[Subaru]

glad to hear all made it home safe and sound.
you guys have said and done alot for the KEI truck community:D

Thanks again

when is the DVD version for sale;)

[Japan_Car_Exports]

THEY ARE BACK!!! A day later than expected due to customs issues at the port. They arrived around 3:30pm to much fanfare. Tired, tanned, skinnier, and relieved, the guys did over 20,000kms, 13 countries, 69 days all in one little mini van.

Next chapter,me and my brother Shawn hitting North America to finish in Halifax. Stay tuned!

[Subaru]

With recent changes in JCE,is the north american tour still a possibility?
Hope so,then I can buy the van:cool: