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Unlike earlier years when a pick-up buyer really put its capabilities to full use in rough off-road conditions, many people who own a pick-up today use it more for the urban ‘jungle’ where the imposing size and higher seating position give them an advantage in traffic. Some of the more active types may find it useful on fishing trips or weekends at the beach.
To show owners just how tough and capable the Ford Ranger is, Ford’s distributor in Malaysia, Sime Darby AutoConneXion, organized a camping trip as part of its Ford Lanun Darat 4x4 Adventure Team programme. The Lanun Darat event is well known, having been established 10 years ago for Ford Ranger owners and Auto ConneXion is continuing with it.
The event took 20 Ranger owners and their families and friends to Kampung Ulu Slim near Slim River in Perak. The 2-day/1-night camping trip was attended by owners from the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor and even as far as Kelantan.
The highlight of the programme (which included whitewater rafting, games, a visit to the village school and the handing over sports equipment and books) was the off-road driving and vehicle recovery workshop by veteran 4x4 instructor Taib Khamis, popularly known as ‘Pak Taib’. With his guidance and encouragement, the participants had a great time learning how to exploit the off-road capabilities of their Rangers and even get themselves out of tricky situations.
Airline pilot and veteran Lanun Darat participant Goh Aik Seong, 42, welcomed the return of the popular programme for Ranger and Everest owners. A Ford Ranger XLT owner for the past 10 years, Goh brought his wife and two girls - aged four and six – to the camping trip.
“It was a good introductory programme, especially for 4x4 ‘newbies’ and their families. I would suggest including a proper off-road convoy driving module in the next outing that would cover driving etiquette and rules,” said Mr. Goh, who had taken part in four Lanun Darat programmes in the past.
For padi farmer Che Wahid Saleh, 52, who brought along two friends, the Lanun Darat programme was a unique opportunity to meet new friends from all Malaysia. “Although I am already into my third Ford Ranger, I have never taken part in Lanun Darat until now. I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life as they have different personalities. I would like to bring my children next time if it doesn't clash with school. Looking at how much fun some of the families had, I believe they would enjoy this tremendously,” he said.
Another first time Lanun Darat participant was businessman Mohd Riduwan Mohd Zanin, 30, who went on the trip with his brother and a friend. The owner of a telecommunications engineering services firm, Mohd Riduwan has found his Ranger XLT (purchased secondhand) perfect for doing surveys and commissioning of equipment at various locations away from the usual routes.
“I first heard about this unique programme while still a student. The lecturer who stayed next door would regale us with stories of his outings and I had wanted to own a Ford Ranger ever since!” he said. He hoped that the next outing would be held at a more challenging location deeper in the jungle.
During the outing, AutoConneXion Managing Director Mohd Hazem Abdul Rahman presented cash and gifts contributed by staff, sponsors and Lanun Darat participants to Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Kampung Sungai Jerneh. The school is part of the Sime Darby School Adoption Programme aimed at supporting infrastructure development at local schools.
“I am delighted to see the tremendous response from Ford owners to this first Lanun Darat outing in 4 years. Lanun Darat is an important customer relationship programme for the Ford brand and we would certainly like to reach out to more of our customers nationwide, including those in Sabah and Sarawak, in the near future,” he said.
For more information about the Ford Lanun Darat 4x4 Adventure Team programme, visit www.ford.net.my. Talk about Ford pick-ups and SUVs in the MTM Forum Share this story with friends: Related story: History of the Ford Ranger
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