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25 February 2022

Ute boom

When it comes to classic cars, Australia certainly has the goods. Our beloved Fords and Holdens are more valuable than ever. They’re collectors’ items, but what about the modern vehicles making motorists’ mouths water?

Overall Toyota is the most popular vehicle marque in Australia again – 19 years and counting – taking out 21.3 per cent of the 2021 new vehicle market and outselling its nearest rival Mazda by more than two-to-one.

And if I dig even deeper, for the sixth consecutive year the Toyota HiLux was Australia’s best-selling new vehicle with a record 52,801 units sold last year.

Yes, the humble ute has always been an iconic part of the Australian motoring landscape but clearly, it has moved above and beyond the farm and ‘tradey’ domain. 

This is the first time in Australian automotive history that a ute has led the new vehicle market over such a long period. Additionally, last year marked the first time that utes and vans combined outsold passenger cars.

Why? Well, while they may not be cheap, they are flexible and practical. 

The ute has become the go-to adventure and getaway vehicle, while also having the potential to tick the ‘family-friendly’ box. The appeal extends to younger drivers too. The Commodore and Falcon were once the dream machines. It was almost a cultural statement. Which crew were you?

Now the choices are endless but, across the board, the ute is right up there.

So, our love affair with the ute continues to go from strength to strength. Yes, the Toyota HiLux has taken the top spot in recent years, but I wonder what changes the electric fleet will bring? Petrol and diesel utes will need to make way for zero and low emission solutions. 

It’s not an ‘if’ but a ‘when’ scenario.

Words: VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.

Share your thoughts! E: ceo@vacc.com.au. As featured in the Herald Sun 25 February 2022.