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Toyota Hi-Lux has held the top position in NZ.
The light truck market is 20% of the new car market in New Zealand, and the Toyota Hi-Lux has held top position for 27 years.
Come December 1 a range of 21 models will be launched and the prices have hit the dealerships, where there will be something for everyone -- gnarly Otago farmer to Howick housewife. There are four specification grades -- S,SR, SR5 and SR5 Limited.
The new 8th generation Hi-Lux sees 18 models powered by the new 1GD diesel engine as used in the Prado; the remaining three petrol vehicles use the 1GRFE, 4L V6 layout.
Key change to the product offering will be the 'pre-runner' option available on all 2WD drive models; it has the ground clearance and ride height of the 4WD and will suit drivers who want visibility but don't need all wheels driven. There's also a choice of automatic transmission in four 2WD models, a choice that was lacking in the previous series.
4WD will feature in twelve models and will remain the backbone of the product range; this is the source of the Hi-Lux's legendary durability, as seen on many rural and municipal user shopping lists.
A new 6-speed auto or manual box option is available for the three higher grades, and on some vehicles towing capacity is now a hefty 3500kgs, a key consideration for many buyers.
As part of the new package each new Hi-Lux has a 5-star ANCAP crash test rating thanks to such safety features as seven airbags, vehicle stability control, active traction control, anti-lock brakes and brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and trailer sway control.
Prices range from$36,990 for the 2WD cab chassis option to $70,490 for the flagship 4WD double cab SR5 Limited.
Over the years, the RAV4 has proven to be a vehicle that appeals to all markets, taking the number one passenger vehicle spot in New Zealand and in other major markets, with over a million vehicles sold to date this year, making it the world’s most popular passenger and recreational vehicle.
The war for supremacy in the ute market is still being waged by market leaders Toyota and Ford, with the Hilux and Ranger.
Over the ditch in Australia, Toyota utes and trucks are the workhorses of the country’s economy.
When the 8th generation Toyota Hilux arrived in late 2015, it was a major departure from the Hilux of old.
With Ford holding the reins of the ute market since about 2014, it was always going to be a case of when – not if – Toyota NZ would deliver a model to compete.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.
Keep focused on things that can be controlled on farm.
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