Mazda PH hands over BT-50 Pangolin Edition to NGO for conservation initiatives

MANILA: Mazda Philippines officially turned over a BT-50 3.2-liter 4x4 Pangolin Edition to the Katala Foundation, which serves as the auto brand's way of supporting the conservation initiatives of the non-governmental organization (NGO) for the endangered Palawan Pangolin.

The new special series BT-50 will serve as a replacement for the outdated 1996 Mazda Proceed the organization has been using, and includes a one-year service to help its Pangolin and population monitoring activities in various areas around Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The new BT-50 Pangolin Edition, which includes updated 17-inch Rota wheels and riveted fender flares as standard, as well as a new Matte Black finish for its roll bars, aluminum roll bars and roof rack, was delivered to the Mazda Center of Excellence facility in Cabuyao, Laguna last December 9, 2020. 

Representatives of Katala Foundation received the vehicle last December 18, 2020 and it currently serves as the main conservation activity vehicle of the NGO for the Christmas season.  

Said Mazda Philippines President and CEO Steven Tan, “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 added, “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. 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.”

Project Director of Katala Foundation Indira Lacerna-Widnann explained, “This pickup truck also represents the same challenges that the Palawan Pangolin faces today. We hope that together with the support of Mazda Philippines, we can finally head in 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 features a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring ability. The black leather seats and black leather steering wheel enhance the exquisite functionality of the vehicle. 

A 3.2-liter, five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which generates 470Nm of torque and 197hp, matches the vehicle’s remarkable 1,086-kg cargo capability and 800mm water-wading capacity to guarantee dependable performance during its entire service. 

Similar to all Mazda vehicles, the BT-50 Pangolin Edition is integrated with added value through its free periodic maintenance service (PMS) plan for five years, or up to 100,000 km, whichever comes first. The dependability of the said vehicle is also emphasized with the three-year vehicle warranty of Mazda. 

With its introductory price of P1.4 million, the Mazda BT-50 Pangolin Edition can be availed at any of the 19 showrooms of the brand across the country.

Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc. (Mazda Philippines) is the exclusive distributor of Mazda components and vehicles in the country.

The exceptional after-sales service record of the auto brand has enabled it to earn the number one spot in the market in the 2016 and 2019 JD Power Customer Service Index Study.

Nineteen Mazda 3S dealerships are situated nationwide, namely, Mazda Tarlac, Mazda Cabanatuan, Mazda Dagupan, Mazda Pampanga, Mazda Pulilan, Mazda Sta. Rosa, Mazda Cavite, Mazda Alabang, Mazda Makati, Mazda Quezon Avenue, Mazda Pasig, Mazda Greenhills, Mazda Iloilo, Mazda Cebu, Mazda Negros, Mazda General Santos, Mazda Butuan, Mazda Davao, and Mazda Cagayan de Oro. 

Photos from Mazda Philippines

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