The Philippine Pangolin, a critically endangered species endemic to the islands of Palawan, is one of the world’s most trafficked mammals. To draw attention to its plight and the need for action, Mazda Philippines hopes to raise awareness of this species with the introduction of the BT-50 4x4 Pangolin pickup truck.
Much like the modest anteater that it derives its name from, the BT-50 Pangolin features design that ensures long, versatile, and steady service, matching the gentle tenacity of its namesake.
The BT-50 Pangolin supports local, fitted with locally manufactured, 17-inch ROTA alloy wheels. The world-renowned, Philippine-based wheel maker meets all global safety standards, including the stringent requirements set by the Japan Light Wheel Automotive Wheel Testing Council (JWTC). These wheels were specced and manufactured specifically for the BT-50 Pangolin. The custom wheels are matched to a set of Fender Flare extensions, which create a wider and more powerful stance for the BT-50 4x4 Pangolin.
Also featured on the BT-50 4x4 Pangolin is a new functional and lightweight aluminum black matte-finish roof rack, adding cargo-carrying capacity and flexibility. This is in addition to its already large cargo bed rated for 1,086 kilograms.
All Mazda BT-50 4x4 Pangolins are equipped with a seven-inch touch screen JVC infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring capability, and steering wheel-mounted controls. A black leather steering wheel matched with black leather seats creates a premium and elegant spacious cabin for five adults.
The BT-50 4x4 Pangolin is equipped with Mazda’s 3.2-liter five-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel engine, producing 200-PS of power and 470-Nm of torque.
“The BT-50 Pangolin is Mazda Philippines’ way to acknowledge our important role in preserving the delicate balance of our environment as we go about our daily lives,” said Mazda Philippines president and CEO, Steven Tan.
“The Philippine Pangolin is an endemic and critically endangered species that deserves our attention and concern. Like the BT-50, it is a reserved, yet highly proficient, hard worker. That is why together with Katala Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit Philippine NGO that is active in protecting and conserving threatened endemic wildlife, we at Mazda Philippines will make use of the enduring nature of the BT-50 to promote awareness and inspire conservation of one the Philippines’ and the world’s most critically endangered mammals.”
To add further credence to its newfound advocacy, Mazda Philippines will lend a Mazda BT-50 4x4 Pangolin to the Katala Foundation for one year. With Mazda’s support, the NGO will make use of the pickup truck to promote its wildlife protection advocacies, and perform its preservation and monitoring duties during this time.
“What an appropriate choice Mazda made to give much-needed attention that the Palawan Pangolin deserves," says Katala Foundation’s Program Director, Indira Lacerna-Widmann. "We hope that with this vehicle, we will have the right direction to achieve the conservation status of this species. It’s an honor for us. The passion that we work for this species—and for other species we are working on—is carried also in the passion for this vehicle.”
The new BT-50 Pangolin is available in six colors with a special introductory price of P1,400,000. It also comes with Mazda’s five-year free service plan that includes 10 Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) schedules over five years, or 100,000 kilometers, whichever occurs first.