For the latest Go4x4.eu interview of the month, we talked to Swedish overland driver and journalist Christer Gerlach. Christer has driven cars over all parts of the globe, with the exception of the Antarctic. In 1991 he was granted an entry into the Guinness’ Book of Records as the first man to drive solo around the world. He has also driven from North Cape — the most northern point of Europe — to Cape Agulhas, south of Cape Town in South Africa. And in 2000 he made a second solo drive around the world, which granted him a second entry in The Guinness’ Book of Records as the worlds’ leading solo driver. In 2003 he drove along the rally track from Paris to Dakar through Morocco, West Sahara, Mauritania, Mali and Senegal – solo of course and ahead of everyone else. Contrary to the drivers taking part in the official rally who ship their cars back to Europe, Christer drove back home the same way as he came down.

Today there is probably no other man who has made as many or as long solo journeys by car as Christer. So enjoy reading our interview below!

1. You have traveled to a lot of countries by car – of you had to pick one, what is your favorite country for vehicle-based expeditions and why?
Mongolia - vast, empty and challenging. 

2. What was the most extreme situation you found yourself in during an expedition?
My first drive through Sahara in 1972 in a Citroën 2CV Dyane with an aircooled engine of 33 horsepowers and front wheel drive. Had seven flat tires in one day and ended up driving through the desert on thre wheels. It worked.

3. Why do you – after so many years – still drive several thousand kilometers alone through remote countries? What do you love so much about those vehicle-based expeditions?
There is always a track where no outsiders have travelled before. And what is beoynd the horizon? Or the next bend? And that enormous flat taiga or dry salt lake or mountain range - can it be crossed? And my readers want me to travel to remote countries for them.

4. Although you should always be well prepared - if you could bring only 3 items on an expedition (besides your passport, your expedition vehicle and necessary paperwork/slips), which items would it be?
A Swiss army-knife, a wristwatch because it will not only tell me the time but also the four directions of the compass and and a rubber plug to put into the zinks so that I can wash my clothes. 

5. If you were to buy an expedition vehicle right now, which one would it be and why?
Toyota HiLux 4WD pick up diesel. Nothing extra has to be added - it is already built for the extremes.

6. As an expert - do you prefer automatic or manual transmission for off-road driving?
Modern automatic transmission systems are much more intelligent than humans.

7. Which 4x4 vehicle(s) do you currently own?
Subaru Impreza and an old Toyota Corolla 4WD that I drove around the world in 1988. And currently I drive a VW sponsored Tiguan Track and Field TDi that I just recently drove to Egyptian Sahara.
 
8. Following the current discussions in the automotive industry: 15 years from now, which will be the dominant form of propulsion in cars?
Hybrids - electricity in combination with fossil fuels or biofuels like biodiesel or ethanol.

9. Given the current political climate and emission-based vehicle taxes in some European countries, should there be a tax relief for people who use their 4x4 mainly for expedition purposes, as those people obviously depend on such a vehicle type?
No. Any serious and professional travel driver will be able to deduct the VAT. Besides - fuel in third world countries are normally much more inexpensive than i Europe.

10. “The most important advice I can give to everyone out there going on a vehicle-based expedition is....”Don't complain when the going is getting tough. If you want things to be like home - stay home !! 

You can find more information about Christer Gerlach and his adventures on his personal website http://www.christergerlach.com