【CARI Info Kiosk】TAN CHONG’S ‘JOURNEY TO ZERO EMISSION’ CONTINUES

CariReporter

TAN CHONG’S ‘JOURNEYTO ZERO EMISSION’ CONTINUES WITH AMBASSADORS PROGRAMME

KualaLumpur (7 January 2013):EdaranTan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) today launched the 3rdphase of its successful Nissan LEAF Ambassador pilot programme. Thefour new Nissan LEAF ambassadors will join eight previous ambassadorsin being the privileged few in Malaysia to experience owning anddriving the ‘soon-to-be-for-sale’ Nissan electric vehicle (EV)for six weeks.

Knownas the ‘Journey To Zero Emission’, the Nissan LEAF Ambassadorprogramme is part of the Nissan LEAF Pilot Programme, which wasinitiated by ETCM in May 2012. It is also the first-ever programme inMalaysia involving an electric vehicle.

Commentingon the programme, Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of ETCMsaid, "A new era is beginning in the global automotive industry.At Nissan, we envision a world with zero CO2 emissions. We areleading the way towards a zero-emission society, beginning with theNissan LEAF. ETCM is proud to be the first in Malaysia to bring theexperience of owning an EV to Malaysians through the ‘Journey toZero Emission’ initiative. Promoting eco green mobility through theNissan LEAF pilot programme is also in line with the government’sefforts to promote energy efficient vehicles and green technology."

Ourfirst two phases have been very successful. The feedback from ourambassadors, as well as other stakeholders, have exceeded ourexpectations. This definitely gives us more confidence to launch theNissan LEAF in Malaysia this year,” Dato’ Dr Ang added.

Thesecond batch of Nissan LEAF ambassadors recently completed theirsix-week experience with the Nissan LEAF and gave rave reviews abouttheir zero emission mobility experience.

SureshThirugnanam, COO of Jobstreet.com was so impressed with the NissanLEAF that he brought his family to visit the LEAF manufacturing plantin Oppama, Japan. There, Suresh and family were taken on awalk-through of the plant and the production of the all-electricLEAF. Throughout the six weeks, Suresh took his ambassador roleseriously, organising talks at his son’s school, his neighbourhoodas well as to young people in order to educate them aboutenvironmental issues. “The Nissan LEAF is a very strong contenderas a family’s 2ndcar of choice for three reasons – environment, economics andcomfort. The drive comfort is exceptional, especially the quietnessof the engine.”

DatoDr. Norbik Bashah Bin Idris, a UTM Professor who is also spearheadingthe MyEV projectto provide an important component of the Electric Vehicle eco-systemin Malaysia commented that everyone in his family adores the LEAF.“The feature I like mostis the responsive acceleration that makes driving more exciting. Ihave always thought that kinetics from combustion is better than frombattery. Well, the Leaf has corrected my assumptions.”

Mr.and Mrs. Tan summed up their six-week experience in two words -memorable and unforgettable. The couple organised many test drivesfor friends, family members and colleagues to share the joy andawesome experience of driving a fully electric car. The Nissan LEAFwas their daily commuting vehicle for six weeks, being used forgrocery shopping, delivering goods for work and visiting friends toimpress them. “The Nissan LEAF is a herald of things to come in thenot too distant future! We definitely look forward to the Nissan LEAFbeing sold in Malaysia!”

24-year-oldHanis Azarea Binti Mohammad Azman, a videographer by profession,created videos and tutorials on the Nissan LEAF.“I love the fact that it does not use petrol. The fact that it issavvy and techy! Thecar is also unexpectedly powerful for its size! I love the pickup andquick shift. It is very smooth.”

TheNissan LEAFs are now ready for its 3rdbatch of temporary owners who have been eagerly anticipating them.They are:

•        Siti Fauwizah Johari, jurutera prosesan
•        Fazulin Mohd Yusoff, pencinta alam sekitar
•        Lau Chak Onn, penulis bebas, voice over dan pengacara sambilan
•        David Hogan Shaidali Jr, Strategis Media Sosial