In spite of the upcoming increase in the Clean Car Fee on July 1, the not so humble 4×4 Ute has been front and centre on distributor stands on the first day of the National Fieldays at the Mystery Creeks Events Centre on June 14.
Toyota has dedicated its entire exhibition space to the Hilux ute. A Toyota spokes person says because the four-day event is targeted at the agricultural sector, the company felt it was more appropriate to solely focus on its most market specific vehicle. The company also brought along its own hydrogen-fuelled generator to provide power for the stand.
Volkswagen has returned to the event with a full range of passenger and commercial vehicles, and brought along a 1966 VW Kombi which has been fully restored and re-powered with an electric motor and battery pack.
Hyundai New Zealand continues to be a major sponsor of the National Fieldays, and brought along its full range of passenger, light and heavy commercial vehicles. The brand unveiled the new Kona SUV as well as a range of new ‘N-hanced’ performance products from its brand ambassador Rally driver Hayden Paddon.
Ford New Zealand returned to Mystery Creek with it’s full line up of electrified vehicles as well as more new variants of the market leading Ranger ute.
Isuzu Ute also returned to Mystery Creek with the D-Max Ute and MU-X SUV but there was no off-roading course available this year for customers to get behind the wheel and experience the vehicle’s capability.
Mitsubishi Motors brought a full range of its passenger and light commercials, plus a new EK X electric micro car for public feedback.
Mahindra brought its range of SUV and light commercials to Mystery Creek with a focus on the new XUV700 SUV.
GMSV used the occasion to launch its MY23 Chevrolet Silverado range, with an LTZ Premium and ZR2 on display at the Ebbett Group stand.
