Wheels turning for conservation

M+Z Motors’ Jac Motors Namibia (JMN) brand has joined Namibia Wildlife Protection (NWP) in the conservation of some of Namibia’s most remote and inhospitable areas.

Managing member Salmon Vermaak says they chose the JAC T8 2.0L 4×4 for their operations because they have used the vehicle in some of the remotest areas, like Khaudum National Park, and it has proven itself.

Operating as an anti-poaching unit focusing on high-end game like elephant and rhino means travelling to remote areas where off-road vehicles are needed.

Apart from protection, NWP also assists conservancies on training to protect the country’s natural resources and game.

Vermaak says about two months ago the organisation operated in the thick loose sand of Khaudum National Park and it took them an estimated four hours to cover 40km of sand and thickets, but the JAC has proven itself as a force to be reckoned with.

The vehicle’s ground clearance was initially too low for the sand, but after it was lifted Vermaak says it operated with ease.

Vermaak describes the vehicle’s road-holding and 4×4 capabilities as impressive.
The driver can engage the vehicle from being a two-wheel drive to a 4×4 from inside the vehicle through a button on the centre console.

The vehicle is also fitted with a low range for those extra difficult terrains.

Complemented with traction control, the vehicle will take you almost anywhere with ease.

Apart from the power plant of a 2.0l turbo diesel engine that delivers more than enough torque to assist the NWP team through their field operations, the vehicle is also fuel efficient.

Top Revs recorded a fuel consumption on tarred roads of 7,5l/100km at an average speed of between 110 and 115km/h, while we recorded 9,6l/100km when engaged in all-wheel drive in thick, loose sand.

This consumption is acceptable since the 2,0l engine had to work harder.

NWP is a specialised anti-poaching unit which sacrifices time and money to ensure that Namibia’s game can roam free and without any interference of poachers.

Apart from the unit’s latest addition of the T8, it also makes use of the Mahindra 4×4 for field operations due to costs and reliability.