On March 30, 2013 six female Daimler employees crossed the finish line of the “Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles” – a Moroccan desert rally exclusively for women. Exhausted but satisfied, the Mercedes-drivers captured top positions with their standard production transporters in the rally’s most important rankings.
Check out the video below to see what it was like for racers to push their limits during the 2,500 km six stage desert race.
Slightly modified Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter vehicles convince
Both the two Mercedes-Benz Vito 4×4 models and the Sprinter driven by the skilled trades team were all standard production vehicles. The all-wheel-drive models, which were modified only slightly for the desert race, finished the rally without any problems to speak of and displayed an outstanding traction, in spite of the extremely demanding conditions they had to face. The fuel-efficient four-cylinder diesel engine (OM 651) introduced in the Vito in 2010 was very impressive in terms of its driving performance.
The third rally vehicle – a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 – was equipped with a standard three-liter diesel engine with an output of 140 kW (190 hp), a manual transmission, and an ex works all-wheel-drive system with open central and axle differentials.
The “Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles”: a race for a good cause
As was the case in the previous three years, physically fit female Daimler employees with a basic knowledge in French were welcomed to apply to take part in the “2013 Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles”. This year, however, it was the first time that two craftswomen, who were selected via a tender in a skilled crafts and trades magazine, had the chance to participate in the rally.
The “Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles” is organized by women for women. The race, which is run under the patronage of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, covers a total distance of 2,500 kilometers and consists of six stages, two of which are marathon segments that each last two days. A total of 300 women from 20 countries took part in this year’s race. The “Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles” offers no prize money; instead, all proceeds from the competition (sponsorships and participation fees) are donated to projects that help the people of Morocco.
A medical convoy makes its way through the country during the race, stopping along the way to provide medical assistance to nomads living in remote areas. This year the participating physicians conducted more than 6,000 consultations during the race and also performed over 100 operations on site.
