Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, recently hosted a flag-off ceremony for a convoy of 16 Land Rover Defenders participating in the 2015 Landy De Langkawi Geopark event from March 15 to 19, 2015.
According to the South and Central Region convoy leader, Ayub Yasir, the 2015 Landy De Langkawi was held to promote Langkawi Geopark as a leading destination for off-roading enthusiasts through the concept of eco-tourism.
“We want to change the perception that off-roading can be destructive to nature and the environment. We believe that responsible travel to natural areas can help conserve the environment and improve the well-being of the local communities. Many Land Rover enthusiasts are firm believers of this,” he said.
More than 70 participants comprising members of the Friends of Langkawi Geopark (FLAG) and their families were treated to a sumptuous brunch at SISMA Auto’s newly completed Glenmarie dual-brand showroom before being flagged off.
The convoy from Petaling Jaya would link up with more than 30 other 4WD vehicles from the Northern region in Kuala Perlis before crossing over to Langkawi.
The Land Rover Defenders lined up outside the new showroom was a sight to behold. Easily, the most striking vehicle was a bright yellow 1979 Series 3 88-inch half-tonne lightweight Land Rover owned by Englishman Howard Randall, 56 (picture below).
Although dwarfed by many of the bigger and better accessorised Land Rover Defender pickups and wagons, the little Series 3 simply oozed character and charm with plenty of history.
Built to fit into a transport aircraft to be parachuted into war zones, the lightweight Series 3 featured prominently in many British Army campaigns.
At the flag off event, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director, Tuan Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali said that the company was delighted to support the event as it was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the many passionate Land Rover enthusiasts in the country.
“The Land Rover brand continues to enjoy tremendous goodwill due to its unique heritage. The DNA of the iconic Defender, which is synonymous with unmatched off-roading capabilities, can be found in every Land Rover and Range Rover model even till this day,” he said.