SsangYong supports Land Search and Rescue volunteers

SsangYong NZ has signed a three year sponsorship deal with the volunteer organisation that saved 84 lives and took 1,275 people out of harm’s way last year - Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR).

LandSAR have over 3,500 trained volunteers, working throughout New Zealand, providing search and rescue support for the lost, missing and injured. SsangYong NZ General Manager, Deon Cooper says LandSAR is a hugely valuable organisation for New Zealanders and visitors who enjoy the outdoors, and SsangYong is privileged to be in a position to support the group and their volunteers.

“LandSAR volunteers are highly skilled and give up their own time to make sure they are always ready to mount a search and rescue when someone needs their help. New Zealanders have active, outdoor lifestyles, and LandSAR provides the safety net to ensure we can enjoy our environment on our own terms,” said Mr Cooper.

“SsangYong’s tough, reliable vehicles – specifically the Rexton and the Actyon – are a good fit for the rugged outdoor requirements of the volunteers and will help them get where they need to go to do the job.”

As part of the sponsorship deal, SsangYong’s provided LandSAR’s Field Support Officers with heavily subsidised lease vehicles through SsangYong lease direct and have also provided special offers to volunteers for SsangYong vehicles.

“We wanted to support the national organisation but we also wanted to acknowledge the contribution of the volunteers by providing them with a sweetener too,” said Mr Cooper.

LandSAR’s Chief Executive Hadyn Smith said it is great to have the support of SsangYong and to be able to provide reliable vehicles to volunteers.

“Our Field Support Officers travel the length and breadth of the country providing support to our 63 LandSAR groups. They are also volunteers themselves, so they are driving through every kind of terrain you can imagine. To do their job they need tough, reliable vehicles and that’s exactly what SangYong offers. We are excited to be partnering with SsangYong and are thrilled they have recognised the huge contribution LandSAR makes to New Zealander’s outdoor way of life.”

About SsangYong

SsangYong is a Korean car manufacturer that focuses on providing high quality vehicles that are affordable. SsangYong New Zealand recently relaunched their New Zealand operation with new headquarters and a full service parts and service facility and office based in Taupō. From the purpose built premises, the SsangYong New Zealand team provides wholesale distribution to its specialist dealer network around New Zealand and leasing options as well as a dedicated parts distribution service, product accessory development and a state of the art sales and service training facility.
About LandSAR

Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) is the national volunteer organisation within New Zealand co-ordinating land search and rescues for the police and public.

LandSAR has over 3,500 trained search and rescue volunteers, who are members of 63 LandSAR groups, organised into seven regions, covering New Zealand. There are also two national specialist groups – LandSAR Search Dogs and LandSAR Caving. Other specialist groups such as Alpine Cliff Rescue and Swift Water Rescue operate in areas where there is a requirement for these specialist skills.

LandSAR assists police in suburban/urban and wilderness/rural search and rescue operations, underground search and rescue operations in caves, shoreline search and rescue operations linked to marine incidents, and other agreed search and rescue operations.

To ensure health and safety when anyone goes missing, they provide volunteers with expert training and assistance to support their operational capability.

www.ssangyong.co.nz

www.landsar.co.nz