Suzuki Jimny owners treated to offroading adventure
Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA) recently rocked the roads from Kuala Lumpur to the outskirts of Tanjung Malim, Perak, with rugged Jimny once again proving its mettle by impressing in a series of tough off-road challenges in the Suzuki Rock the Road 3.0, Jimny Edition that took place at the campsite of Teratak Bernam Riverview in Lubuk Kawah, Tanjung Malim, Perak.
The 3 days 2 nights customer-oriented event was organized by the Eco Rainforest Adventure Team (eRAT) 4×4 Club and fully-sponsored by Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA). The event managed to attract tremendous participation of Jimny owners throughout Malaysia which comprised of members from Kelab Jimny Samurai Malaysia (KJSM) together with their family members. There were also two participants that representing Suzuki Katana Jimny Indonesia (SKIn). In total, the event saw huge success with the presence of some 100 units of the Jimny and participated by over 400 family members.
“The Jimny is one of Suzuki’s most iconic models that suitable for both work and play. It is a legendary compact cross-country 4×4 vehicle that’s been a dependable favourite for over 4 decades. Jimny meets daily city manoeuvring with ease and dominates in off-road encounters,” said Mr. Keiichi Suzuki, Managing Director of SMA.
“We were amazed with the overwhelming response received from the Jimny owners throughout Malaysia. The event turnout of 100 Jimnys speaks volumes of the enthusiasm and passions towards the model – a true reflection of love for adventure. We are delighted and grateful in equal measure to bring together these owners and treated them to an unforgettable off-road experience,” added Mr. Keiichi Suzuki.
Day one of the event started with a group photo session in which the 100 Jimnys arranged themselves in formation to form a spectacular sight, after which the cars then departed for the campsite in convoy. Heavy rain pour in the afternoon kept most of the participants in their tents, but far from dampening spirits, it served only to excite the group’s seasoned off-roaders for the 4×4 challenges to come the following day.
Even more rain poured the next morning, but it did not impede fifteen of the toughest and most battle-hardened Jimnys to roam Lubuk Kawah roads set off to take on the two special stages of obstacle course laid down by the eRAT 4×4 crew. Participants were organized into five groups of three cars, which each vehicle carrying a pilot and co-pilot.
The two special stages presented different challenges to participants who ultimately relied on the strategy, quick-thinking, teamwork, and of course the undoubted durability and performance of their Jimnys to pull themselves through. The objective of each team is to secure the fastest possible finish in each special stage whilst avoiding infractions that would result in costly penalties.
As the challenge concluded at the end of the day, a few Jimnys emerged bruised and scratched, but none battered, testimony of the exceptional durability that characterized successive generations of vehicles that adorned this glorious nameplate.
Later that night, members of the Jimny groups, many of whom who were meeting each other for only the first time, were able to network with each other over dinner together with their respective families with real camaraderie.
Asrul Syafik Ahmad, more fondly known as Abe Az among the group and also the leader of Kelab Jimny Samurai Malaysia (KJSM), expressed the club’s gratitude to Suzuki Malaysia Automobile’s generous sponsorship of the event, saying that, “Sincere thanks to Suzuki Malaysia Automobile for their generous support in sponsoring this event. Our objective to gather the Jimny owners from all around Malaysia this time has been a huge success as a result of that support.”
He added that, “Our biggest challenge in organizing this national-level event was to gather participation from all states in Malaysia. This time, with overall attendance of 100 Jimnys and more than 200 family members, we managed to ensure that all fourteen states of the country are represented in the event.”
Noting the encouraging response from participants, Mr Keiichi Suzuki remarked, “We are thankful to have been given this opportunity to engage these wonderful and enthusiastic supporters of the Suzuki brand. We hope to have given them fond memories to cherish and with any luck, we would love to give them more in the future.”
“The Suzuki Rock the Road initiatives, which we did previously with owners of the Swift and now for the Jimny, is aimed at enhancing the Suzuki ownership experience. It is our way of thanking customers for their support brand and to further enhance our relationship with them,” he concluded.
The adventurous spirit of the participants were satisfied in the Rock the Road 3.0, Jimny Edition with many already looking forward to the next installation. With such an overwhelmingly positive response, SMA will continue to organise the Rock the Road programme annually for the benefit of all Suzuki owners and enthusiasts in Malaysia.
Pictures: Official Suzuki release.
