Koni: a new partner

For its 28th edition, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc chose a new partner from the world of suspension.  With more than 160 years of expertise, Koni, develops customized, high-performance shock absorbers for every type of vehicle. Koni is more than familiar with the rallying world, and has already been a partner of Bab El Raid for two years.

The company is following five teams in this year’s Rallye: teams 125 (Dominique CREPIN. GUERIN / Beatrice Mennessier - SA WARLUZEL), 204 (Marion GEORGE / Emmanuelle VIALLET - INSO), 212 (Cécile FOUILLAND / Florence RONGER - LA CLOISON AMOVIBLE), 215 (Christine BOUVEROT-REYMOND / Emma GALPIN - Allians Taxi) and 229 (Sophie LIOUST BARDY / Stéphanie GOURLOO), all equipped with Koni brand shock absorbers. Maryse Chardes, communications agent for CSM2, spoke to us about the meaning of this partnership: “We joined with the Rallye because the 4X4 market is part of our clientele. We have a large number of distributors who prep teams of women for this event and help them out.”

Koni and the Rallye’s organizer also share common values: “This is not just about rallying but about women, and about feminizing cars and motorsport. There is a real family spirit and a solidarity that bring us together.”

For 2019, the brand would like to become more involved and promote their product to a female audience. “Shock absorbers are not something that necessarily appeals to women, they’re not very glamorous. Most women don’t really know what they’re for, whereas they’re an essential part of the braking system. We want to play a role in prevention and safety.”