---

November 24, 2020--Mazda Philippines raises awareness of a critically endangered species endemic to the islands of Palawan 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 world’s most trafficked mammal.

New for the BT-50 Pangolin are its world-class quality, locally manufactured, 17-inch ROTA alloy wheels. Specced and manufactured specifically for the BT-50 Pangolin, the alloy wheels reinforce the pickup truck’s all-terrain 4x4 capabilities and support its 800mm water wading depth. The new wheel design also enhances the rugged nature of the BT-50’s dynamic form. ROTA Wheels is a popular world-renowned, top-quality performance alloy wheel brand that is made in the Philippines. It meets all global safety standards, including the high standards of Japan Light Wheel Automotive Wheel Testing Council (JWTC). 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. Philippine-made ROTA wheels are distributed worldwide, and Bermaz Auto Philippines is proud to be associated with a local high-quality brand.

Also standard with the BT-50 4x4 Pangolin is a new functional and lightweight Aluminum Black Matte Finish Roof Rack that adds additional cargo-carrying capacity and flexibility for the top-ranging pickup. The BT-50 continues to be a strong and capable work vehicle that can load up to 1,086 kilograms on its reinforced cargo bed. With its supplemental cargo-bearing capability adding to its already impressive 1,214 liters of available cargo volume, the BT-50 Pangolin can lay claim to load-carrying superiority over its competition.

All Mazda BT-50 4x4 Pangolins are equipped with a 7-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 5 adults.

The BT-50 4x4 Pangolin is equipped with Mazda’s potent 3.2-liter 5-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel engine, the highest diesel engine displacement available in the pickup market today. Outputting 200PS of power and 470Nm of smooth-flowing torque to handle propulsion, the BT-50 will go anywhere and get any job done with ease and comfort.

“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,” shares 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 of 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 the 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: Cool White, Titanium Flash, True Red, Jet Black, Aluminum Metallic, and Deep Crystal Blue. Its special introductory price is P1,400,000, a reduction of P150,000 from the regular BT50 4x4 SRP of P1,550,000.

The BT50 4x4 Pangolin also comes with Mazda 5-Year Free Service Plan that includes 10 Periodic Maintenance Service schedules over 5 years, or 100,000 kilometers, whichever occurs first.