Toyota introduced its petrol-electric Prius hybrid in the late 1990s, around the time Silicon Valley visionary Jaron Lanier was talking about solving things. “If you aren’t part of the solution, there will be no solution,” Lanier told the tech world. But Toyota was already part of the solution. Its problem? How to cut real-world exhaust emissions in the vehicles it makes. … [Read more...] about A hybrid Hilux? As the man said, it’s all about solutions
Toyota Hilux
Hyundai has been talking about it for years – ute concept revealed
The ute that has been in the back of Hyundai’s design mind for many years has been unveiled for the first time at this year’s Detroit motor show. The surprise concept (above and below) is called the Santa Cruz, a naming step to go along with the Santa Fe, New Zealand’s best selling SUV. I queried Hyundai executives in Seoul in the late 1990s about a ute that would rival … [Read more...] about Hyundai has been talking about it for years – ute concept revealed
Cut-price war – Ranger and Hilux in frenzied fight to the finish
The Ford Ranger/Toyota Hilux tussle, now reaching boiling point going into the last sales month of 2014, will become even more charged next year when both companies reveal new-look models for the New Zealand market. Toyota is keeping pictures of its new Hilux under wraps, but Ford has gone to YouTube with a 20-second video of the refreshed (above) Ranger, showing a front end … [Read more...] about Cut-price war – Ranger and Hilux in frenzied fight to the finish
Ford Ranger v Toyota Hilux sales race: It’s getting down and dirty
The Ford Ranger (above) might this year manage what no other vehicle has done in New Zealand for more than 30 years – knock the Toyota Hilux off its lofty perch as the most popular light commercial. Going into the last four sales months of the year, Motor Industry Association (MIA) registrations show Ranger has sold 3842 variants against 3739 for Hilux, a lead by Ford at the … [Read more...] about Ford Ranger v Toyota Hilux sales race: It’s getting down and dirty