Toyota Australia has been announced as a leading sponsor of this year’s Kennards Hire Rally Australia.

The arrangement will see Toyota Australia become the official vehicle supplier for the Coffs Harbour World Rally Championship season finale held from November 16-19.

Toyota has returned to the World Rally Championship this year, after an 18-year hiatus, with a factory Yaris WRC effort spearheaded by Jari-Matti Latvala, Juho Hanninen and Esapekka Lappi.

The Japanese marque has a strong reputation in Australia having won four Australian Rally Championship titles courtesy of Neal Bates.

“Toyota’s commitment to rallying comes from the very top with our global president Akio Toyoda firmly believing that overcoming the extreme challenges of motorsport is vital in our quest to build ever-better cars,” said Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb.

“There is a strong bond between Toyota and rallying going back to the 1970s with four WRC drivers’ and three WRC manufacturers’ titles at the global level.”

“We are also proud of our relationship with four-time Australian rally champions Neal Bates and Coral Taylor – a 25-year relationship during which time Toyota has also won two local manufacturers’ titles.

“We expect to see the Bates clan – including Neal’s sons Harry and Lewis – competing at their usual high standard during this year’s event.”

“As Rally Australia in 2017 celebrates its 25th year as a WRC event, it’s wonderful to welcome a partner with its own great rally history,” added Rally Australia chairman Ben Rainsford.

“Toyota’s name is synonymous with the sport, especially here in Australia.

“And while the Toyota Gazoo Racing world rally team will be drawing fans to spectate on the special stages in November, Toyota’s range of road vehicles also will be in action, serving our event in many demanding official roles.”