MOTOLITE, the country’s leading automotive battery brand, supported TEAM LAND ROVER PHILIPPINES during the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) held at Johor Bahru, Malaysia on December 5-14, 2009.

The RFC is considered to be one of the toughest off-road challenges in the world. The event is held annually over a period of ten days wherein both man & machine are put to test under the harshest conditions of Malaysia’s rainforests.

Team Land Rover Philippines, led by driver Larry Mendiola and co-driver Sergio Jamilla III, put on a superb performance, garnering 8th place overall, from among a field of over 40 of the best 4x4 competitors in the world. The team was also recognized for Mendiola’s first runner-up finish in the Class-D Category of the rainforest challenge.

The organizers were truly impressed by the strong showing of the Philippine team during the competition, as it was also awarded as the “Most Upcoming Team”.

According to Mr. Marc Soong, Team Manager, “We would like to thank Motolite for supporting Team Land Rover Philippines during the recently held Malaysian Rainforest Challenge. It is a great honor to represent our country in this event. We look forward to doing it again, and with your continued support, hopefully grab the #1 spot next year.”

Motolite batteries are manufactured by Philippine Batteries, Inc. (PBI), the largest manufacturer, exporter and distributor of automotive, motorcycle and industrial battery products and solutions in the Philippines. Its 18-hectare fully integrated facility in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, is one of the largest and most modern battery manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia. It also has the country’s only ISO 14001-certified, environmentally-compliant recycling facility, the second biggest in Asia.