Enhanced Hilux hits the spot
The war for supremacy in the ute market is still being waged by market leaders Toyota and Ford, with the Hilux and Ranger.
In its first test in 2015 the eighth generation Toyota Hilux gained a 5-star ANCAP rating.
It was recently re-submitted for testing against the more stringent 2019 criteria and the venerable ute again came away with 5 stars.
The upgraded ANCAP rating stems from a bunch of mid-life safety additions.
These include autonomous emergency braking capable of detecting and reacting to other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists; active lane keep; and an advanced speed assistance system fitted as standard on all variants of the vehicle.
In the tests the Hilux achieved 96% for adult occupant protection. This was enhanced by fitting rear seat belt pre-tensioners and an occupant detection system. Now the ute is rated 87% for child occupant protection in dual-cabs, 88% for pedestrian protection and 78% for its safety assist features.
AA motoring services general manager Stella Stocks commended Toyota for its proactive safety approach, particularly as utes are increasingly used for work and family duties.
“We wouldn’t normally see such significant safety upgrades like this until a new model or generation of a vehicle,” Stocks said. “Now New Zealanders in the market for a Hilux can be assured they’re getting the latest advances in vehicle safety.”
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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