4WD-Take A Deep Breath TV show - statement

[Andreww]

Hello fellow 4x4 nuts
There has, as usual, been speculation, discussion and criticism about my TV show, 4WD-Take A Deep Breath. And this is good! People are watching, and most are enjoying.
To lay a few facts on the table: I am not sponsored by Toyota. Nor am I sponsored by Imperial Toyota, BP, Jurgens and NAC, who gave money for the show. Even though you see their logos during the broadcasts, they do not own me or dictate in any way whatsoever what goes in the shows. What they do, is support the show and the conservation projects associated with it. What you should also know, no sponsor saw any show until the actual broadcasts and in this case, the sponsors came in after a good two thirds had been shot and edited.

About the Pajero: I am not perfect. Thanks to those who pointed that out. The racks were firmly secured, but the low suspension travel and severe undulations, which, if taken slowly would see the Pajero bog down, and if taken faster, would thrash the vehicle from side to side so violently, that the cans ripped the steel brackets. Regarding to losing some chairs off the rack: My kids packed the roof rack and Daddy didn’t retighten everything prior to the climb. Naughty Daddy!

Criticisms have come, mostly from narrow-minded Pajero owners who have nothing more deep to concern themselves with than have to a go at someone who doesn’t like their car. Some posts on this forum point out that some vehicles struggled in the Namib sand and others did not. There are seven hours of footage of dune driving. Everybody struggled! No vehicle, not even the lead tour guide in his 4500 Land Cruiser breezed through it. I cannot help mentioning the posts by some that studied the show, and even wrote the script, studying every word, trying to trip me up! (4Pajero) Is this that important to you? Mentioning individual vehicles that appeared to struggle indicate a total lack of understanding of things 4x4. Yes, the Triton struggled on that climb… so did I, as did everyone. I chose that shot in the edit because it looked nice. There is no other reason so please don’t suppose there is.

Praise has come from many quarters including from one of SA’s top cinematographers regarding the quality of photography. Many other positive comments have come from viewers who just love the escape. Some amusing comments have come too, like a woman complained that I talked while eating something and her little boy was disgusted. I am amazed she took the time to write to me! But most have praised the casual, unrehearsed approached. And this is exactly what the show is all about… unrehearsed, unpretentious and unpredictable. That is the recipe that I love to work with, and it makes good TV.

A regular comment has been, what about other vehicles? The trouble is, no money, no program. And Toyota is the only manufacturer to give me the time of day. It is as simple as that. Land Rover said no, as did Ford, Subaru, Nissan, Volvo, Mitsubishi (although we managed to get a Pajero for eps 8&9). I wanted a wide range of vehicles but they were not slightly interested even in loaning me a vehicle, let alone contribute to production costs, as did Toyota.


Next year’s show

We are talking about taking a trip to find the source of the Okavango in Angola and travelling its length until it disappears into the sand. We will be roughing it, most of the time, but I am also hoping for variety and we will likely, if we get lucky, be staying in a luxury lodge or two. And sorry... we will be driving Toyotas. Why should I waste my time with the other manufacturers when Toyota and Imperial Toyota see fantastic value in being the key ingredient to the shows? No surprise that they sell more 4x4s than Land Rover, Ford, Subaru, Nissan, Volvo, Mitsubishi..... etc., probably combined! I reckon they know a good marketing deal when they see one, and I for one am grateful.

Andrew W White

PS. A very, merry and happy Christmas to all you 4x4 nuts out there.

[Muggins]

I enjoy your shows. Keep it up.

Your explanation above puts alot of things into perspective. Hats off to Toyota if they are willing to come to the party.

It is physically impossible to keep everyone happy.

Merry Christmas to you to.

[ThysleRoux]

The PAJERO's are suddenly very quiet ........

[4ePajero]

The PAJERO's are suddenly very quiet ........

It's not worth commenting on.

[Sani Boy]

I like your show, looking forward to the new season.

[Rainier Vermaak]

Andrew,

By once again referring to narrow-minded Pajero drivers you confirm the fact that you might be in the same league as Joost and Steve when it comes to PR matters.

I have read all that was written about the Pajero and Fortuner sagas, and what concerns me is that in the case of the Pajero you attribute the respective failings to the vehicle, but in the Fortuner's case you attributed it to the drivers.

I honestly believe the Fortuner was dangerous to drive under certain, specific circumstances, whereas the Pajero posed no such threat.

Your response in these matters make me question your bona fides.

[DouglasN]

Hi Andrew,

Thnaks for taking the time to give us this update, I am sorry though, that you felt the need to do so.

As Muggins said, you cannot please everyone, just do what ever you feel is best & right for your show. If I don't like what i see, I can change channels.

I appreciate that you have limited time per episode but I would like to take this oppurtunity to ask for a bit more on the conservation inserts, the program I watched earlier had the Leopard project insert, but it didn't really tell us a lot about the project itself, the aims etc, and then suddenly it was finished.

Regards

[bostoe]

Andrew,

By once again referring to narrow-minded Pajero drivers you confirm the fact that you might be in the same league as Joost and Steve when it comes to PR matters.

I have read all that was written about the Pajero and Fortuner sagas, and what concerns me is that in the case of the Pajero you attribute the respective failings to the vehicle, but in the Fortuner's case you attributed it to the drivers.

I honestly believe the Fortuner was dangerous to drive under certain, specific circumstances, whereas the Pajero posed no such threat.

Your response in these matters make me question your bona fides.

Hoor hoor!!! Ek wou nie reageer oor die Pajero saga nie. Verseker nie 'n perfekte voertuig nie, maar so bestaan daar nie so iets op hierdie aardbol nie. Andrew sukkel egter om objektief te bly!

Bostoe

[A.J.]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but I really dont know when is the show on

[4ePikanini]

I'll repeat what I said in the other thread.

It is always difficult being in the public eye. Just sift through good and bad about what the public says ( which is who your show is for ) and use that to make your next show even better than the previous series.

Your show is after all aimed at 4x4 enthusiasts so the feedback on a 4x4 forum should be valuable info.

PS : It is impossible to please everybody but easy to be honest.

and on top of that, don't forget that the viewers pay a big part of your wage. Gunning down a viewers view is bad taste IMHO. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.

Don't get upset when fault is found in your published articles. What would your reaction be if someone's family came to harm due to incorrect statements given by you? Rather be thankful that you have a host of people who can make you more knowledgeable and watch your back in a sense at no extra cost. Imagine if you were humble and thanked the community for their feedback and that you would take it to heart in your next show.......

These members on the forum, that you don't want to associate with, are the members that are interested in your show. Maybe you should re-look your target market.

If you can't take criticism from your viewers, get a PR manager.

[Ruan1]

Hi Andrew,

As it was already said in the post... you cant please all the people all the time.

As for the members that are very particular to their brand of vehicles... each to is own! I stopped behind a Lamborgini Gallardo this morning... What an awesome sight to behold, but the driver could not keep the 4 Million rand car idling, something went wrong!!!. So on came the 4 way flashers and he was blocking the traffic. He was on the phone probably calling for help... My 400k oilburner comfortably idled past and I courteously waved as I passed him.

My point is that no matter what you drive or favour, at some point in time it will just not deliver as it is supposed to- as I proved today that my Navara left a Lambo in my smoke at a robot

Thanks for the great show and the articles. I look forward to the rest you have to share with us.

Have a wonderfull X-Mas and a great new year
Ruan

[KobusDJ]

I think Gerhard and Andrew must go and have a cup of coffee..... have a talk and shake hands.

[4ePajero]

I think Gerhard and Andrew must go and have a cup of coffee..... have a talk and shake hands.

Om te wat?

Despite being narrow-minded and having a small life, I am not insecure - I can take criticism, especially if it is justified.

[A.J.]

I think Gerhard and Andrew must go and have a cup of coffee..... have a talk and shake hands.

I secon that

[OFFROAD ADDICT]

And the punch line is.................no one likes to be criticized one way or another.As with Gerhards post, whether rightfully or wrongfully justified facts is all what is required .I think it is true to say we can all relate to Justified facts.I would have a cup of coffee with 4E . That would be interesting

[Fluffy]

Hi All, ( and Andrew)

I personally am a huge fan. I have all the DVD's (I think), and his Four wheel drive book is my offroad bible.

Everytime there is a technical debate on the forum I get out the book and see the answer.

However to be absolutely honest I do believe that there is a little bit of brand loyalty here and there. But hey, this is the real world.

Keep it up, have a great Xmas and take a few hours to teach the kids how to pack a roof rack

Cheers
Fluffy

[incrediblebob]

Andrew, I admire your bravery to contribute your opinion here, on this brilliant forum, you're going to be very busy reading the replies, some good, some bad- but you're willing to debate with us 'normal 4x4ers -brilliant!

[SimonB]

.I would have a cup of coffee with 4E . That would be interesting

I've had a steak and a bottle of wine with 4e... twice... very interesting..

No one can get away from brand loyalty... for some inconceivable reason people support junk cars like they support junk rugby teams...The Stormers come to mind.. as does Alfa..but hey, what floats your boat.

But if you purport to be a motoring journalist, then your objectivity will always be scrutinised....

A regular comment has been, what about other vehicles? The trouble is, no money, no program. And Toyota is the only manufacturer to give me the time of day. It is as simple as that. Land Rover said no, as did Ford, Subaru, Nissan, Volvo, Mitsubishi (although we managed to get a Pajero for eps 8&9). I wanted a wide range of vehicles but they were not slightly interested even in loaning me a vehicle, let alone contribute to production costs, as did Toyota.

To me, not reviewing vehicles because the manufacturer will not supply said vehicle is the weakest excuse there is. If one is as influencial in the industry as is claimed then finding a vehicle to review is not that difficult.

[ThysleRoux]

You guys don't get it, do you ? The reference to being "as influencial in the industry as is claimed", as quoted from Andrew's article was not his own opinion of himself, but the opinion as percieved by the general 4x4 community, which he used tongue in cheek, unless my knowledge of English is even worse than I thought it was.

It's like every-one makes a comment when a Toyota breaks down - the reliablity of Toys are the general public's perception and when they break, every car lover has something negative to say about it - especially the anti Toyota brigade.

[4ePajero]

I think there is a major issue at stake here.

The criticism I levelled at Andrew was for the way he did his work.
I hope I did not attack his person / character. If I did, I will appologise unconditionally and edit the post.

Andrew on the other hand chose to make a judgement on my character and "life"

• "get a life"
• "small lives"
• "narrow minded"
• pretending to be perfect (I think that's what he said)
• etc.

OK, he was at a disadvantage, not being able to judge my work, because he has no knowledge of it.
He chose to make his work public, and should live with the fact that there are people out there who will not agree with him.

I still cannot fathom why he singled me out for a personal attack - most of my posts consisted of quotes from (and comments on) his article in Leisure Wheels.