Will Auto Enthusiasts See More Utes?

If you happen to be driving in Australia, you may see an abundance of utility vehicles, short form “utes”, driving on the roads there. These types of cars with a pickup bed like a truck, which you may have heard of in mechanic courses, is popular for its rear cargo capabilities and is essentially the Aussie and New Zealand version of a pickup truck. Legend has it that the design idea came from a woman who just needed a vehicle to drive to church and that she could also load her pigs into. Thus, a ute was born from a very Australian way of life involving farming and trading. The concept is that a ute can act as a passenger car, with cargo capability.  A ute can carry heavy loads similar to a North American pickup truck, and popular accessories include a cargo net to secure loose loads like produce. In fact, an increase in demand for utes has led to more resources being put into developing ute accessories like alloy decks.

Top Utes on the Market
If you are in car sales training, you might be interested in which utes have been at the top of the market in the past few years. They are:

• Ford Falcon
• Volkswagen Amarok
• Ford Ranger
• Mazda BT 50
• Nissan Navara
• Toyota HiLux
• Holden Colorado

There are many reports which show ute sales in New Zealand and Australia are at an all-time high. This does however come at the same time as both Ford and Holden companies are ceasing production in Australia. Despite this setback for ute production in Australia, the need for this vehicle remains strong. We’ll share here some utes that are set to be released in the upcoming years.

2015 Ford Falcon Ute

Australian markets are set to be introduced to the new Ford Falcon ute next year. Details on this vehicle are still largely hidden from the public, but some key facts have been released. This rear-wheel drive vehicle holds an engine with maximum 260 horsepower, and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Leaf-spring suspension is installed to help carry heavy loads in the rear. Ford’s Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute will also be released with this vehicle, and offers a turbocharger and 362 horsepower.

2015 Toyota HiLux

Toyota has for decades been a huge hitter in pickup trucks, with high levels of reliability and power. The bestselling Toyota HiLux has had a revamp for its new 2015 release. This new model is longer and wider than previous models, offering more space in the rear cargo. Reports say the vehicle will have a 2.5-3 litre diesel engine with the ability to tow up to a ¾ ton. The interior will boast a touch screen dash and leathers seats.

HSV GTS Maloo

Holden manufacturing is shutting down in Australia, so of course their last vehicle is predicted to be showy and impressive, which is exciting for auto technicians and ute lovers alike. This ute will boast a 6.2 litre supercharged V8—that means 576 horsepower! Buyers will have the choice of manual or automatic transmission, as well as a variety of choices for colour. Interior design spotlights include automatic park assistance, an 8-inch touch-screen,and a leather-wrap sports steering wheel with electric power steering. This vehicle will be limited production, so pre-order and get it while you can! To see the amazing capabilities of the HSV GTS Maloo, check out the video below.