11/06/08 - Toyota South Africa expresses its profound sadness at the untimely death of Ove Andersson, aged 70.

He was involved in an accident whilst competing in the Milligan Vintage Trial, when the classic car he was driving was involved in a head on collision.

Dr Johan van Zyl, CEO and President of Toyota South Africa said: "It was a great shock to learn the tragic and untimely death of Ove Andersson, one of the true icons of motorsport and a person with long and very successful links to Toyota.He participated in numerous motorsport events for Toyota South Africa in the 70's and returned to compete in the Total Economy Run in 2005 winning the class in a Camry . He was always a great friend of Toyota South Africa and loved our country so much he decided to settle here last year. He was often a big help to our own motorsport team in developing rally cars and his memory will live on in the minds of many in the extended Toyota Family both here and all over the world. Ove's passion for motorsport was legendary and he is a great loss to our sport. Toyota South Africa extends its deepest condolences to Ove's family."

Ove was instrumental in the founding of Toyota Team Europe, which grew out of his own Andersson Motorsport squad. Toyota Team Europe later relocated to Cologne, and became Toyota Motorsport GmbH in 1993.

Under his leadership, Toyota successfully competed in the World Rally Championship, winning four drivers' and three manufacturers' championships, and took second place at the 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours. He led Panasonic Toyota Racing into Formula 1 in 2002 before retiring as Team Principal in 2003 to work as a consultant for the team.


 

Ove Andersson, after winning his class in the Total Economy Run in 2005. Pic Tony Alves