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AUTOMATION AND MACHINERY
Japanese Staples Still Evolve Not everyone wants (or can af- ford) a super-sized Yank truck. Brands like HiLux, Ranger, D-Max, BT-50, and Navara are improving fast – better comfort, performance, and tech without losing their rural reliability. Ford's recent launch of the Ranger Super Duty shows just how far utes are evolving. With a 4,500kg GVM and matching tow rating, it bridges the gap between mid-size utes and light trucks. Todd Willing, head of Ford Design at Ford Motor Company, says: “Fleet managers told us about the heavy-duty medium pick-up space and how there just wasn’t anything they wanted. “This set our team on a path to digging deeper, meeting with more than 50 companies and public services to truly live the life of these customers to under- stand their specific needs.
“The result was an idea for a truck that could bridge the gap between what was currently available and what the industry told us it needed.” Going Electric – or Not? Electric utes are starting to arrive from China, and soon, Kia. These could be a good fit for tradies in metro areas, where charging is easier and daily travel is limited. But for farmers or anyone cover- ing serious distances, range anx- iety and a lack of infrastructure make EVs a tough sell. Ford’s diesel-electric hybrid may offer a middle ground— boosting torque and extending range. But the added battery weight cuts into payload, a deal- breaker for many in agriculture. Meanwhile, the diesel-powered Kia Tasman is due for availability from July 2025, with an electric version expected in 2026. While
now manufactured there due to strong local demand and import tariffs. Interestingly, a Thai law re- quiring rear leaf springs has curbed innovation in some models. Meanwhile, China, India, and Korea are pushing hard into the ute market, putting pressure on the old guard. Big Yanks Hit the Dirt In recent years, American utes have hit Australian roads in a big way. Thanks to local conversions by companies like Walkinshaw, models once unavailable in right- hand drive are now commonplace. RAM models are imported and converted to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw for American Special Vehicles, which is owned by Ateco Group – also responsible for bring- ing the vehicles to Australia. It started with RAM – the 1500, 2500, and 3500 – followed by the Chev- rolet Silverado, Ford F-100, and now Toyota Tundra. The appeal? Towing capacity. Where Japanese and European utes cap out at 3,500 kg, the American giants can legally tow 4,500 kg – a big deal for farmers hauling machinery or stock crates. That said, some of the largest models may require a truck licence to retain their full gross vehicle mass (GVM), something pro- spective buyers need to consider. But these beasts come at a cost: fuel. Around town, 15–18 L/100 km is typical – even more when towing. Toyota’s hybrid Tundra offers a V6 with better economy, showing where the market might head.
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