Following the introduction of the limited-run edition, the local distributor of Japanese automotive manufacturer Mazda made sure that their vow in helping the conservation efforts for the Palawan Pangolin was met before Christmas.
Last December 24, Mazda Philippines announced the turnover of their gift to the Katala Foundation to boost the latter’s efforts in keeping the endangered Palawan Pangolin (local name Balentong) safe by handing over the keys to a BT-50 4X4 Pangolin Edition.
The special series BT-50 will be the latest workhorse for the organization to be used in monitoring and population checking activities in different locations around Puerto Princesa, Palawan for one year. To note, the Katala Foundation previously uses a 1996 Mazda Proceed to protect the aforementioned animal, which is now very limited in numbers.
The turnover was made on December 18 after it was shipped out of the Mazda Center of Excellence facility in Cabuyao, Laguna last December 9. According to Mazda Philippines, the Mazda BT-50 Pangolin Edition will “immediately see action as the NGO’s primary conservation activity vehicle starting this Christmas season.”
Mazda Philippines President and CEO Steven Tan noted the need to protect the endangered animals.
“With all the challenges and threats that the Palawan Pangolin is currently facing, it is only fitting that Mazda Philippines sends over its Christmas gift for the Pangolins this early so that we can help stop the trafficking and contribute to their protection and preservation,” Tan was quoted as saying.
“We are committed to support Katala Foundation’s activities as it pursues the conservation status of one of the most endangered species in the world,” Tan adds. “It is our hope that the Katala Foundation’s use of the BT-50 Pangolin Edition will continue to call attention to the plight of this species and help save the country’s endemic wildlife and fragile ecosystem.”
For their part, Katala Foundation Project Director Indira Lacerna-Widnann expressed gratitude over the support extended to them.
“This pickup truck also represents the same challenges that the Palawan Pangolin faces today,” Widnann noted.
“We hope that together with the support of Mazda Philippines, we can finally head for the right direction to achieve the conservation status of this species. We would like to thank Mazda Philippines for this opportunity. It is an honor for us to be its partner in this mission. Our companies share the same passion in our work for this species as well as in the development of this vehicle.”
The Mazda BT-50 Pangolin Edition is now being retailed in any of the 19 Mazda showrooms with a special price of P1.4 million.
Those who will make the purchase are bound to experience the 3.2-liter, five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which can churn 197 horsepower and 470 Nm torque. Since it is meant to be utilitarian workhorse, it has an 800 mm water-wading capability and 1,086-kilogram cargo capacity.
On the inside, it has a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-capable. The Black Leather Steering Wheel and Black Leather Seats blended in the overall interior design.
Complementing its overall sporty look are its 17-inch Rota Wheels and riveted fender flares, as well as a new Matte Black finish for its front grille, aluminum roof rack and roll bars.
Just like all the Mazda vehicles, the BT-50 Pangolin Edition is given a Free Periodic Maintenance Service Plan for five years, or up to 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Its reliability is further highlighted with Mazda’s three-year Vehicle Warranty.
Earlier, Carmudi reported that the latest iteration of the BT-50 is based on the 2021 Isuzu D-Max platform.
Photos from Mazda Philippines
Also read:
All-new Mazda BT-50 to be introduced next year
Mazda Bags Most 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" Awards Among Car Makers
Copyright © Carmudi 2014-2024. All Rights Reserved.
