Wrangeld

Hi Bhaskar, As with every brand, we need to look at the relative positioning to understand the brand strenghts. I am assuming that your queston relates specicifally to the 4x4 community - the wider questions of the brand as a whole impact on that, however, I would argue that the 4x4 perspective is a little different to the consumer of a Corolla, Sunny or Lancer. Globally, and regionally. Toyota built its reputation on reliability and build quaility and took that equity into the Hi Ace & Land Cruiser sub brand. From open pick ups and indestructable vehicles transporting gun toting radicals (maybe not perfect for brand image), Toyota displaced LandRover as THE offroad champion. The Nissan dynasty was created by their successful program of supplying the UN with vehicles - the Patrol's reputation was established as we saw thousands of white Patrols coming to the rescue worldwide: Quite a feat for a company that was not really known for well constructed sturdy cars - Datsun as it was was a copycat that took over the market place of those who helped create it and who pursued equity through supercharged sports cars (That's why the Nismo that would make no sense anywhere else makes sense here!). Nissan has been very intelligent in creating a range of affordable 'not Patrol' models that allow the aspirant buyer access to the brand in a way that many of the other manufacturers missed: Pathfinder, X Terra ... all give the driver the chance to feel the afterglow of the Patrol in a way that the other brands miss. Honda - it's a motorbike company. What are they doing making cars? Even though some of the most incredible vehicles come out of the Honda stable like the Accord, S2000, the Civic ... they make motorbikes don't they. My perspective possibly as I ride bikes and owned a number fo Hondas. But as an offroader? They have little equity, and little range in the competent 4x4 world. Shopping trolleys - yes, but nothing that supports an equity for the committed offroader. Mitsubishi - is like the almost man. The Pajero (yes, we know unfortunate name in some communities) cold so well have become the undisputed chanpion. It had everything. Great manners on and off road, good engines, great reliability ... but it got pulled down by the sad fact that the rest of the assortment became a plain vanilla brand: a real real shame because at the time that the Evo was really putting them on the map and creating a great story for the brand, the Pajero hit middle age and like all of us got wider, heavier and wanted more comfort. Here in UAE it's the car you buy because it is easy to maintain, parts are cheap, second hand values are low ... excited by that? Of course not, but we buy the car because at the end of the day, it's disposable motoring. I guess, my perspective as a marketing consultant is more nuanced than some ... and I am happy to continue to the discussion into any of the areas that you asked, but I think anyone not a marketer might find it tedious. It's my passion, so you lit a fuse ...

@Ahab Shamaa @varunmehndiratta @Sai Baskaran @Pickey Singh @MUHAMMAD Kashif RAZZAQ @Explored Dubai @Derek Fernandes @VipinShetty @bassel el rafei @Arshad Roojee @Ken Hüüdma @syed salman raza @Lorenzo Candelpergher It's Tuesday so we need a mid week pick up, no? Many of you probably don't know that Lorenzo is a drone pilot - so with his agreement [thanks Lorenzo] we will take a little time out during the drive on Friday to see if we can get some great shots of the convoy. It does mean we will possibly have a few stops to set up the drone, but I hope you will support that and accept a slightly later end to the drive because the videos and shots can be quite spectacular. See you soon in the sand.

Easiest way to describe it Ahab is that I learned my lesson on taking drivers into technical dunes in this area. Was an historically long drive ... Middle of summer. Enough said for now ... Ahab Shamaa varunmehndiratta Sai Baskaran Pickey Singh MUHAMMAD Kashif RAZZAQ Explored Dubai Derek Fernandes VipinShetty bassel el rafei Arshad Roojee Ken Hüüdma syed salman raza Updated driver list as of this evening. We will be joined by @Lorenzo CandelpergherCandelpergher as senior in the drive. I am delighted my wingman will be there.

Easiest way to describe it Ahab is that I learned my lesson on taking drivers into technical dunes in this area. Was an historically long drive ... Middle of summer. Enough said for now ... Most of us use Gaia GPS. There is a brief tutorial in the site, and I will happily talk you through other details on Friday if you want. If more drivers want it I can give a general briefing on it. I have a premium account. Basic, free account is also good for starting out.

@Ahab Shamaa @varunmehndiratta @Sai Baskaran @Luca Bregni @Pickey Singh @MUHAMMAD Kashif RAZZAQ @Explored Dubai @Derek Fernandes @VipinShetty @bassel el rafei @Arshad Roojee @Ken Hüüdma I for one am looking forward to the drive on Friday. Why - I've been there before with Fewbies and I really like the challenge of bringing newbies into territory that normally would not be used. The really good part about this routing is that (at least until 2 weeks ago) there was not a lot of traffic around these routes. In some of the places we drive there are hundreds of cross tracks and churned up sand because the whole of the UAE 4x4 world is driving there (Fossil Rock, Pink Rock and some parts of Al Qudra come to mind). Between Murquab and AL Qudra there is less traffic, which means we are likely driving on some virgin sand and making our way over dunes that few travelled before. The other reason that I like to come to this route is that we can elevate or raise the level depending on the convoy response in ways that is not so easy in other areas, because there are so many varied challenges. To be sure, there are big wide expanses of sand where we can drive up down and round [if anyone has a drone and it's not a no fly zone, we could have some fun here]. We can also very quickly dive into the technical dunes which are a challenge to many newbies - but which will improve your control and finesse no end. And the end of the drive has some nice cross overs, higher dunes and lots of pipes and chanels to drive through where getting stuck in the soft sand means a difficult moment for self recoery from a refusal or more challenging recoveries. My request to you - if you cannot make it: tell us now. There will be people to fill your space if you don't want to/can't come. More to come during the week. See you soon in the sand.

Drive times ... @Tero Vallas as Rahimdad mentions, the drive leads are all volunteers and club members too. Some of already drive morning and afternoon so the gap between the drives shortening makes it impossible for us to get from one to the other, or rest in between. That's the frist safety element. The driver is more often than not the daylight than the convenience of getting up a bit later -that's the second safety element. As Rahimdad says, one we ahve even more elads, we can look at this again, but for the moment, it seems most people are OK with the early morning starts: I personally like to feel some cool air for the first time in the year that's not from an airco.

Ahab Shamaa varunmehndiratta Sai Baskaran Luca Bregni Pickey Singh MUHAMMAD Kashif RAZZAQ Explored Dubai Derek Fernandes VipinShetty bassel el rafei Arshad Roojee Ken Hüüdma Well done everyone for signing up. Looking forward to a fun drive Friday.

Hi Varun @varunmehndiratta looks like you are in ... See you Friday.

Congrats @Alexander Alcala great things await you on more exicting drives.

Congrats @Jon M enjoy your elevated status

Congrats @Tero Vallas great news for you. Looking forweard to seeing you on more drives.

Congrats @Tamas Hoffmann really pleased for you on seeing this promotion. You've shown your capabilities growing every drive.

@imranaasghar81 I think that the Newbies are published at 7.10.

Dear Reader, You're possibly wondering why I named this drive the Devil's Deceit. It's because Murquab is an area where you can think that you're driving along without worries and problems and suddenly, you're in highly techincal, tightly packed dunes thinking that you might not get out of the dunes, ever! The Devil leads you in with wonderful easy dunes and if you go a meter in the wrong direction: BOOM. There are some amazing playable dunes right next to these technical sections: and if you are not confident enough around them, and don't know how to dirve them you can enter into a whole new world of pain! Don't get me wrong, every competent dune driver has to be able to manage the technical dunes as well as the adrenalin packed climbs and side slopes - but they are more difficult to handle than wide sloping dunes. Which is why we are going to venture into soem of them on this drive. Additionally, we are going to enjoy one of my favorite 'rat runs' - a passage way between the dunes that lets us avoid the treacherous portions of the route to Last Exit - where we can practice fast running along the sand and see amazing scenery. Expect this drive to leave you exhilarated, tired and extremely proud of yourself. Looking forward to seeing you soon in the sand.

Don't worry @Irshad Alam when Ale write Bab Al Shams, it still stays within the Dubai emirate and the entry point is before Gantoot so no need here for a PCR. This location is Southern Dunes of Ql Qudra.

Hi Irshad, As you will be led by an experienced Marshal, keeping to the same location if you want to stay familiar is OK. Different locaitons, different beauty and types of dunes (and often color of sand). Qudra is white, so reflects the sun a lot. Other areas have red sand, or pink. Most times, the issue is also getting a place as demand for the drives is high.

@Derek Fernandes this type of feedback is exactly why the seniors volunteer their time every weekend to give drivers the opportunity to get the off roading bug. We really enjoyed having you on the drive as well and we all look forward to hearing either of you screaming from the passenger seat very soon in the future. Keep an eye out on the site for the upcoming drives. When they are opened up on Sunday night, they really fill quickly, so we really advise checking out the list in advance and makign sure you are ready. If @Gaurav has not yet added you to the Canity Drives whatsApp group, that needs to be sorted out ASAP! See you soon in the sand.

This drive is organized in full compliance with the COVID19 guidelines. We expect every member that joins this drive to go through below information and strictly follow these guidelines in order not to jeopardize someone's health, and to ensure we can keep organizing these drives safely. MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: COVID19 Precautions MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: BAN POST Two Way Radio Guidelines Every Off-roader brings his own radio, programmed to the frequencies described in below advice topic. We will not share spare radios or program your radio on the drive. If you need assistance in programming the radio, post a topic on the Carnity website with your questions and we will help you out. Make sure your radio is fully charged. It will be your only way of communication while driving. Before buying, please carefully read below advice so you are informed properly on which model / cost / shops... No radio = No drive. It is an essential tool and you should make sure you bring it on every drive and learn/practice how to use it. Drive Details Level: Newbie and Above (All Levels) When: 20 Nov 2020, Friday Meeting time: 6:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: - Murquab Mosque - https://goo.gl/maps/8ofLyYmagqvEMJLv9 Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. What to expect: Challenging terrain for Newbies that want to expand their experiences in the Desert. Wide dunes and some very techincal parts, a fast desert run and swooping high dunes as we make our way to the exit. Approximate finish time: 10:00 AM End Point: Last Exit, Al Qudra [Please note, compressor at Adnoc is no longer working] THIS IS A COMPRESSOR ONLY DRIVE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A COMPRESSOR, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS DRIVE. IF YOU ARRIVE AND HAVE NO COMPRESSOR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE DRIVE. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 12 Newbie and above drivers. RSVP will close on Thursday - 9 AM. If the RSVP is full and you wish to join, please mention your name on the drive thread to add on the waiting list. Latecomers will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Members without RSVP will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Please withdraw your RSVP, if you aren't joining, so your spot can be taken by others. Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month. PLEASE RSVP ON THE BELOW CALENDAR

Hi Bernd, Modifications - we normally advise to wait a few drives before you think about making any more changes to a stock car. You already have the built in mods from the factory. Acessories: Speedex, ACE and the Kinetic rope can normally be found from our very own @Rahimdad And then ... Dragon Mart. You'll find a stronger compressor (no guarantee on how long it lasts) and the 5 DHM deflator tool. There are also a really great posts on the site on the camoing and safety equipment that you can start to compile in the vehicle Simply, there's loads of onfo on the Carnity site which will answer all the questions (except on the modifications on the Gladiator)

There was a lot of interference today. The frequencies we use are not exclusive, and the radios are not professional. If you heard the instructions it looks like what you have is good enough. What an incredible report. Yes, we all felt exactly like that. Beautifully written. But what do you mean ... I did not always choose the easiest line 🤣🤣🤣?

Wow what a drive! For a group of drivers claming never to have driven in the sand before, this was an amazing drive. The skills learned, the patience shown, the team work and tarrain convered was fantastic. This really was a fantastic drive. And ... I did not make it 'easy' for the Absolute Newbies today and we covered a lot of the basics to prepare you for your next challenge next week ( ... if I heard correctly, you're all already hooked ) We started at the expected time, after dealing with delfation and organizing flags, radios and kill switches. And from then, we covered a ,ot of ground and crossed a lot of dunes, climbed up and down, and even went a little but sideways!! Some specific feedback in no particular order (that might help when you venture back into the sand): ALI ALMOUMAR @ALI ALMOUMAR You have one of the best off road tools on the market. I think that you will understand that as your driving develops. Great job today with your first drive and I am looking forward to seeing you back next week to continue this story. Irshad Alam @Irshad Alam The Pajero is a great machine considering how comfortable it is on the road. You need to use the power more carefully and not be scared once the traction starts to go. You do have the magic button ((rear diff lock) so you can get out of everything. varunmehndiratta @varunmehndiratta Varun, your one or two outings with the other clubs helped you get into the swing quickly. It will take a little time until you get to grips with the power delivery and don't worry about braking at the crest. Explored Dubai @Explored Dubai for a first outing on your Pajero you had quite some chances to practice self recovery. You will have learned a lot from that that you can use in any drive in the future. Arman @Arman Hope that you sort out the cowl for the instruments. Great job today. Learn that the power is there when you need it and don't be scared of it, espeically when you are approaching a crest. If the car before made it, you will - without braking. Hisham Masaad @Hisham Masaad As a second lead you did a great job for a first time. You do need to pay a little bit more attention to what is being said from time to time which will come with experience. And Lorenzo's son was very grateful for your crest as he ahd specially requested that. HAZEM.Ali @HAZEM.Ali A great first drive. You need to watch your distance from other drivers a little more because of the risks of losing peiople in the desert. Ken Hüüdma @Ken Hüüdma You did really well for the first time out in your beast (and it is a beast). You'll need to learn to master the power, instead of it mastering you. Derek Fernandes @Derek Fernandes the jeep is an immense machine for these types of drives and the mods on yours will help you to a degree. Because it will make the start easier, don't get complacent and think that it's a simple thing to do. The screaming in your ears (from your amazing passanger - WHO SHOULD BE DRIVING) helps you understand if what you think is easy feels that way for someone else in the car. Lorenzo @Lorenzo Candelpergher and Frederic @Frederic what brilliant, amazing support for the drive. Key things - thanks to everyone, the drive was well organized and covid safe. Recoveries were all efficiently sorted and everyone learned a lot from either watching or recovering and I am looking forward to driving with you all again in the future. Q&A reply - all the Carnity marshals drive at all levels. It's the best way we know to enjoy from watching the incredible progress our club members make as they make it through the ranks. See you soon in the sand.

Dear Al Qudra Absolute Newbies The convoy positions for tomorrow (as at 8pm) are as follow. Wrangeld (Richard) ALI ALMOUMAR @ALI ALMOUMAR Irshad Alam @Irshad Alam varunmehndiratta @varunmehndiratta Explored Dubai @Explored Dubai Arman @Arman Lorenzo @Lorenzo Candelpergher Hisham Masaad @Hisham Masaad HAZEM.Ali @HAZEM.Ali Ken Hüüdma @Ken Hüüdma Derek Fernandes @Derek Fernandes Frederic @Frederic Before the drive, there will be a briefing where we will check that all the briefing videos are understood. Look forward to seeing you in the sand tomorrow morning.

Hi Derek. My number is 0504254574 See you in the morning. Hi Hisham Yes I imagine it was disappointing. Great that we will see you Friday. No doubt your experience will shine through. Good for us to know as well it's not your first time out with the car. See you Friday. Richard

As I said, Paulo, thanks for the understanding. Indeed, it's a while since we saw you. Hopefully you can get back on the sand soon.