2013

Taking roads less travelled to go places Google hasn’t been

Monday, 05 September 2022

Dunlop Tyres SA

Taking roads less travelled to go places Google hasn’t been

"South Africa boasts a rugged beauty that often leaves international visitors spellbound – from its expansive landscapes, world-famous game reserves and stunning beaches to its spectacular mountain ranges and thrilling action and adventure spots. But roads further off the beaten track can be tricky to navigate, especially dirt or gravel stretches that are often not mapped on Google Street View, leaving travellers and adventurers unprepared for the road conditions they will encounter. "

Iconic tyre brand Dunlop rose to this challenge with its award-winning Grandtrek Uncharted expedition in 2020 and 2021, with the mission: to go to places Google hasn’t been.

Launched in late 2020 as a way of showcasing the proverbial road less travelled, the Grandtrek Uncharted expedition spanned all nine provinces, setting out to capture some of the spirit, with a modern twist, of the adventurers who, in the old days, would map out the new places they discovered. In 2020 modern-day explorers Peter van Kets and Jacques Marais sought out uncharted roads far from the beaten track that could be added to Google Street View using a special 360-degree camera.

In 2021, Grandtrek Uncharted Phase 2 zoomed in on two of SA’s coastal provinces, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, taking 10 travellers on shoreline voyages fit for the coast-loving 4x4, off-road or outdoor enthusiast.

“South Africa is well-known for its 4x4 routes and rugged terrain, but many of these routes have entire sections that aren’t mapped because the terrain is too rough. That’s why we set out once again to map these well-known routes and encourage consumers to get out there and explore,” said Lubin Ozoux, CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, which manufactures the Dunlop brand in Africa.

Thanks to the second installment of Grandtrek Uncharted, travellers and tourists will now be able to find a few well mapped out roads in and around some of the country’s most spectacular gravel passes along the coast - from Bosluiskloof Pass, the Swartberg Pass and Gamkaskloof (a.k.a. Die Hel) in the Western Cape, to the oNgoye Forest, Gwahumbe and Sani Pass in KZN.

Taming the terrain

The vehicles on these adventures were fitted with tyres from the Dunlop Grandtrek range – South Africa’s most comprehensive range of SUV and 4x4 tyres for both on-an-off road terrain. This allowed for the mix of roads – from tar and gravel to rough terrain – that only the most adventurous explorer would consider tackling.

“These routes might be rough – but they’re definitely not rough enough for Dunlop’s Grandtrek tyres, which enable you to tame any terrain,” said Ozoux.

The range now includes the Grandtrek AT3Gm – the no-nonsense, 3-PLY all-terrain tyre for off-road travel, adventure and exploration, as well as its AT3G WLT version enhanced with white block lettering.

There is also the Grandtrek AT25 designed for original equipment specifications and the versatile AT5 suitable for both on and off-road travel.

For high-performance SUV vehicles and superb all-round comfort, the Grandtrek AT23 offers a quiet and smooth ride with high-speed stability and durability for predominantly highway terrain.

Dunlop Grandtrek SUV and 4x4 tyres not only look good but are backed by the triple protection of Dunlop Sure – a stable of complimentary tyre cover products providing motorists with added peace of mind, at no extra charge.

The Dunlop Sure offering includes Product Life Warranty against defects in material and/or workmanship for up to eight years, plus a Mileage Warranty that covers premature tread wear and is available on purchase of selected SUV/4x4 tyres and up to the mileage indicated (Grandtrek AT3G & AT3GM – 60 000km, Grandtrek AT25 – 70 000km, and Grandtrek AT5 – 100 000km).

There is also the option of free Dunlop Sure Tyre Insurance, available exclusively from Dunlop branded stores, for full replacement of any Dunlop tyre irreparably damaged by any road hazards within the first year of purchase and on valid activation of the policy.

To view some of the Grandtrek Uncharted 360-degree footage uploaded to the Google Street View platform, as well as the destinations visited, visit www.grandtrek.co.za