The Nissan Navara was awarded the Best Product Pickup Category as the vehicle who took on the RFC challenge was kept as standard as possible with only required outfit equipment for contest, such as bull bars, halogen spot lights, winch, protection bars, recovery kit, extreme tyres, suspension and snorkel.
The RFC is rated among the top 10 toughest motor races in the world.
It says a lot about the capabilities of the Nissan Navara when Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) took “the bulls by the horns” and threw in three units of the new Nissan Navara.
Geared up with some basic off-road 4x4 accessories to take on the challenges of RFC 2016, the Nissan Navara had been tested and proven under real conditions of the extreme 4x4 race, which ended on 6 December in Cameron Highlands.
“On behalf of ETCM, I would like to congratulate Fabiana and Julieth on their superb performance in completing the RFC 2016 Grand Final. The event is known to be one of the world’s toughest motor races”, said Tan Keng Meng, executive director of ETCM.
Two units were used as official cars in supporting the overall RFC operational and transportation management while the third unit of Nissan Navara was used in the race by two Brazilian “Ladies of Steel”: Fabiana Martins (the driver) and Julieth Zanelato (navigator/co-driver) that faced the similar gruelling Special Stages (SS) as the male counterparts.
“RFC is a dream for every 4x4 competitor in the world. When Luis came to me with the opportunity to drive a Nissan for RFC, I was thrilled that I was able to take on this challenge. Having said this, I would like to thank Nissan and RFC for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Martins.
This year’s race flagged off from Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, where RFC was first launched 19 years ago.
The full action took place on 27 November in Kuantan at the Bukit Galing Camp of Brigade Tenggara HQ (The General Operations Force of the Royal Malaysian Police).
Participants from 30 countries then battled it out through Malaysia’s harshest terrains passing through Gambang, Raub, Kuala Lipis and finally ending its course at Tanah Rata (Cameron Highlands).
Luis J.A. Wee, founder of the Rainforest Challenge, said, "The Nissan Navara is already a 4x4 machine of calibre, but with this proven win in RFC 2016, it is indeed ’The Ultimate Pickup’”.
Those who would like to experience the Nissan Navara can visit the Nissan CNY Carnival, which also offers a line-up of Nissan models for test drive and special Lion Dance performances.
Date and locations of carnival are as follows:
