Magna’s team, called Force de Fem, will share the driving and navigating duties between Michelle Figueroa, system engineer for Magna’s powertrain group, and Sree Anandavally, global director, Factory of the Future.
The off-road rally, which runs Oct. 6-15, covers over 1,550 miles of desert terrain in Nevada and California, and prohibits the use of GPS or other digital mapping devices.
“Empowering employees to participate in something like Rebelle Rally exemplifies Magna’s commitment to approaching every challenge with grit and determination,” said Eric Wilds, Magna Chief Marketing and Sales Officer. “The entire Magna team is rooting for Michelle and Sree, we know they will inspire many inside and outside our company.”
The Magna team has been preparing for the rally with training at the Holly Oaks ORV Park in Metro Detroit, the company said, which features a 9,000-square-foot peak, called Mt. Magna, designed to replicate the experience of rock formations in Moab, Utah. The pair have also tested their skills at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes in West Michigan as they prepare to head to the rally in October.
Figueroa and Anandavally will drive a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon featuring a Magna Ultimax in the rally. The two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range ratio distributes engine output to the front and rear axles and the low-range option improves performance off-road, the company said.
Fans can follow the Rebelle Rally team’s progress on Magna’s social media channels and online here.
