CHIANGMAI, THAILAND – Nissan Thailand delivered two Nissan Navara PRO-4X vehicles to the Department of Forestry's Fire Hawk Team for use in forest fire fighting mission in Chiang Mai and Lamphoon for the next 3 months. Nissan also provided necessary equipment to assist frontline volunteers in local communities in performing their duties more conveniently and safely. The ceremony was held to emphasize the importance of "Forest Fire Smoke Free Campaign Day", which is scheduled on the 24th of February every year.
Isao Sekiguchi, president of Nissan Thailand, said, "Nissan has been a part of Thai society for more than 70 years, and we do recognize our responsibility as a member of society to protect the environment in order to enrich people's lives."
"During the dry season, forest fires are an issue that not only have impacts on the local environment, but also cause PM2.5 dust that has a wider impact on the country. Preventing and quickly stopping fires are critical missions. The operations require energy, commitment and courage, and we hope that by lending the tough Navara pickups and providing equipment, we can provide greater convenience and safety to those fighting at the frontline."
In 2022, Nissan Navara PRO-4X joined the Fire Hawk team for the first time. From March to May 2022, the pickups participated in 48 missions and helped increase efficiency of the Fire Hawk Team and volunteers in local communities by 30-50%. With the help of Nissan Navara, the forest fire fighting teams discovered that the time spent on each operation was significantly shortened, from 5 hours to 3 hours for small areas and from two days in larger area covering at least 20 rais to only one day.
Chanpen Kasetsin, Director of Chiang Mai Forest Fire Control Extension Center and Head of Chiang Mai Fire Hawk Team, said, "In 2023, the forest fire situation trend is more serious. During the first two months, the number of forest fires is much higher than the same period last year. Dry season has arrived early and it affects a larger area. The period from February to April will be the worst and driest time, and that means the highest risk of forest fires. Unfortunately, our Fire Hawk Team is small and all members have to work days and nights in the high mountain and rough areas, which are very dangerous. Nissan's continuous support for the team is a blessing. It not only helps us work with greater convenience and safety, but also, perhaps more important, it tells us that there are people out there who see and appreciate what we are doing. That gives us energy and strong will to do our best to protect the nature."
Nissan Navara PRO-4X best suits this operation due to its powerful performance and toughness, which are DNA of Nissan pickups. It is able to transport people and equipment on rough roads through the woods and bring volunteers from local communities under the responsibility of the Fire Hawk Team to reach the forest fire hotspot faster. Meanwhile, other necessary equipment helps them work more efficiently, safely and conveniently.
Nissan Navara PRO-4X is powered by the powerful 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC twin-turbocharged YS23DDTT engine offering a maximum power of 190 hp (Ps) and 450 Nm of torque (Nm), a 7-speed automatic transmission (7AT) with manual driving mode (M mode) for enhanced driving performance. Its famous 'Fully-Boxed Frame,' a single piece of steel chassis, provides excellent payload capabilities. Other features offering usability and versatility include an integrated step in the rear bumper that makes bed access easier and a flap-type, tie-down hook that helps secure both large and small loads.
Forest fires have become more serious year after year, especially in the North of Thailand where most of the area is forest. The situation usually reaches its peak in the dry season from February to May1.
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1. http://ndwc.disaster.go.th/
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For more information, please contact:
Kamolchanok Charoenjindarat
Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. - Communications Department
Tel +66 (0) 2339 3400 Ext. 4113-4114 / www.nissan.co.th
