Revitalised Ford Lanun Darat to Appeal to a Wider Spectrum of Customers from 2007 Onwards

Petaling Jaya, 9 May 2007 – The Lanun Darat 2007 programme was officially launched by Ford Malaysia in a special ‘kick-off’ gathering of enthusiastic Ford Ranger and Ford Everest owners at the Maroon Cafe, Aman Suria, Petaling Jaya tonight.

Ford’s Lanun Darat owners’ club, which comprises of Ford Ranger and Everest (from 2003 onwards) owners, was set up in 1999 as an owners club to build and maintain relationships between Ford and its customers. Currently in its eighth year, Lanun Darat, which means “Land Pirate” in Malay, is an excellent platform for Ford 4X4 owners to use their vehicles’ off-road capabilities and connect with other enthusiasts who share the same passion. The Lanun Darat owners’ club best captures the “Built Ford Tough” positioning.

This club gives our customers the opportunity to get away from it all, leaving the stress of work and the city behind and head-off into the wild to live life to the fullest. The best part of Lanun Darat is the camaraderie forged during the time spent together on these trips, sharing stories over the campfire and celebrating victory over the tough terrain.

Speaking at the gathering, Mike Pease, Managing Director of Ford Malaysia, while presenting the rejuvenated Lanun Darat, said, “This club gives our customers the opportunity to get away from it all, leaving the stress of work and the city behind and head-off into the wild to live life to the fullest. The best part of Lanun Darat is the camaraderie forged during the time spent together on these trips, sharing stories over the campfire and celebrating victory over the tough terrain.”

“Throughout the years,, we have had some feedback that whilst our off-road adventures are fun, owners are also requesting for more mild family-oriented activities. Customer feedback is very important to us, thus, our rejuvenated Lanun Darat programme has been tailor made to have both off-road adventure and family-oriented activities so that it will cover a wider spectrum of not only our customers, but their families and friends as well.,” he added.

The reinvigorated Lanun Darat Owners’ Club’s off-road camping adventures shall continue as a core activity, but even these trips shall be on terrain accessible to standard vehicles with no modifications. The purpose is to cater to “newbies” or the public who are genuinely interested in off-roading, but would like a safe avenue to try their hand at it, and with minimum or no damage.

For ‘newbies’ and enthusiasts who would like to learn more about going off-road, part of the Lanun Darat programme includes off-road driving clinics that are held within easy reach of the city, and in a safe and controlled environment. Experienced and professional instructors will be on hand to teach and share the finer points of off-roading, including safety training as well.

To cater for those who want to go off-road, but do not relish the thought of spending a night in the jungle, special ‘day trips’ are also planned. In these day trips, Ford 4×4 owners shall be led on convoys through jungle tracks, and spend the night in a resort. Also in the pipeline are trips that go out in the morning and return to base in the evening. “There is something for everybody in the new Lanun Darat,” stated June Chew, Brand Manager of Ford Malaysia. “The day trips are the perfect solutions for the busy executives who do not have the luxury of time in their hands,” she continued.

Also in the plans are 4 x 4 gymkhanas, in which Ford 4 x 4’s will take part in ‘time attacks’ through a set course. Gymkhanas are fun not only to participate in, but offer great spectator potential as well. Families and friends can enjoy a day out as spectators, and have a picnic as well, and at the same time watch their friends or colleagues battle it out for top honours. In addition to that, treasure hunts have always been a popular weekend sport, and the Lanun Darat activities include events such as these as well. To make it a little more unique, and interesting, off-road sections will be included in these treasure hunt events.

Lanun Darat membership is free and open to all Ford Ranger and Everest 4X4 owners. To register online, please visit www.ford.com.my

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