Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Arrives in New Zealand
While hybrids and PHEVs have not usually been the focus of farmers and rural dwellers, the current Iranian-driven fuel crisis has pushed up fuel costs and created a new interest in the genres.
Now entering its 21st year since the launch in 1995, the Toyota RAV 4 has graced the yards or driveways of 28,500 buyers and retains its dominant stake in the competitive SUV market.
Eight times since 2001 it has taken top the spot, including the last four years. To commemorate the milestone Toyota is launching a special Edition 21, limited to 100 units, and sure to be snapped up quickly.
Based on the 2L GXL 2WD variant, and offered in Blue Gem, Ink or Glacier White exterior colours, all have silver accents on the front and rear bumpers, door mirrors and wheel arches. Further detail is lower door mouldings offset by a black back door garnish, also used on the lower section of the rear bumper.
Dual five spoke, 18 inch alloys combine with exclusive Edition 21 badging, a genuine nudge bar and complementary black headlining and pillar trims on the interior.
Now in its fourth generation since the 1995 launch, the gutsy little performer shows no signs of lying down, and brings the latest technology to an army of shrewd buyers. That technology includes Toyota Safety Sense, lane departure alert with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control and automated high beam control.
The package also includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and hill start control, seven airbags, and a rear camera combined with front and rear and parking sensors, which all combine with the solid construction to achieve a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Signing up to a benchmarking tool is not about competition, but about improving collectively, says Ximena Puig and Alvaro Luzardo who are 50-50 sharemilkers at a 164-hectare (effective) dairy farm in Eketāhuna in the Lower North Island.
A leading British farming politician says he's impressed with the positive attitude of New Zealand farmers that he met during his recent trip here.
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
The Southern Dairy Hub (SDH), which runs a demonstration farm for South Island farmers, has a new general manager.
Esther Guy-Meakin has been announced as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
According to a progress report on the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP), New Zealand's horticulture sector is making real progress on the big issues facing growers.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?