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| THE ROUTE | SPONSORS | MANAGEMENT TEAM | TEAM MEMBERS |
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Ford Everest
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Ford Ranger
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The Sahara – the very mention of this name conjures up images of a hard land, of a harsh environment where only the toughest survive. The world’s largest desert is an unforgiving place where, for centuries, only the indomitable Tuareg people and their camels could call home. Even today, it is not a place for the weak.
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Ford Malaysia was quick to take up the challenge when the PETRONAS Adventure Team (PAT) Malaysia called on modern day Malaysian explorers to embark on the PETRONAS Trans-Sahara 2004, an arduous 39-day, 15,000-km (approximately) odyssey traversing six countries.
The Ford Everest sport utility vehicle (SUV) and Ford Ranger 4x4 pick-up, with their proven reputation of “Built Ford Tough,” were selected as official vehicles for the epic adventure.
The journey ahead will be long and difficult and the three Ford vehicles – two Ford Everests XLT Manual and one Ford Ranger XL Manual – are ready and able to take on the task.
The Ford vehicles’ rugged chassis, comprising a robust ladder frame with solid cross-bracing, are certainly tough enough to take the punishment that the Sahara is sure to dish out.
Blazing sand will not be the only challenge awaiting the intrepid travelers because North Africa is a land that is truly diverse. They will also have to pass through the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, home of the highest peaks in North Africa, which divides the green Mediterranean of the north, and the vast arid desert of the south.
“The PETRONAS Trans-Sahara 2004 expedition is a tremendous challenge that will test man and machine to the limit, and we are absolutely thrilled to send our 4x4 vehicles along to help ensure the event is successful,” said Mike Pease, Managing Director of Ford Malaysia. “I am confident the PETRONAS Adventure Team Malaysia will appreciate the strength, reliability and comfort of the Ford Everest and Ranger as they take on the obstacles awaiting them in Africa.”
The 45 members of the expedition will require a variety of equipment and supplies to survive, including tonnes of survival gear, clothing, spare parts and tools to cope with all eventualities, plus food and large quantities of water.
Hauling heavy loads while transporting their occupants in comfort is the forte of the Ford Everest and Ranger, which are known for their progressive handling at all speeds with smooth roll control. The comfort and confidence they inspire in any driving situation will contribute significantly to reducing driver fatigue during kilometre after kilometre of sand and rocks.
Ford’s tried and tested 2.5-L Turbo Diesel Intercooled engine, boasting a powerful 121bhp and high torque of 262Nm, will deliver reliable power and frugal fuel consumption, both of which are essential during the long trek through the desert.
There will be no worries about getting to their faraway destination safely because the Ford vehicles are all equipped with powerful four-wheel ABS brakes that prevent wheels from locking up during firm braking on surfaces with uneven traction.
The Ford Everest and Ranger are equipped with Load Sensing Proportioning Valve (LSPV), which automatically optimises the performance of the rear brakes by altering the rear brake pressure according to the load condition of the vehicle. The predictable and responsive brake performance under all loads is an extra benefit in difficult conditions.
Additional features of the Ford Everest and Ranger include the Limited Slipped Differential, which ensure torque will be supplied to the wheels effectively without wheel spin on slippery surfaces, and the 4x4 Transfer Case with 4 High and 4 Low ratios to provide the ideal gear ratio no matter what treacherous terrain the Libyan sands or the parched Sudanese countryside serves up.
The PETRONAS Trans-Sahara 2004 expedition, comprising 18 vehicles, will be flagged off on August 30th in Khartoum, Sudan. The expedition will pass through 12 border crossings, traversing the Republic of Sudan, Arab Republic of Egypt, Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Tunisian Republic, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria and finally arrive on October 7th at Casablanca in the Kingdom of Morocco.
The PETRONAS Adventure Team Malaysia has grown and established itself internationally, having been firmly recognised among 4WD enthusiasts worldwide. This Trans-Sahara will be the team’s sixth expedition since 1999.
Ford Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Tractors Malaysia Berhad. Its product range includes the Escape, Ranger 4x4, Everest, Lynx, Econovan and Trader.
For more information, please click on the Ford logo.
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