Utes

‘Utes should be banned in Australia’ - it’s a notion about as popular as disconnecting the internet. But before you fire up in the comments section and bristle at the notion of ‘banning utes’, don’t panic, this isn’t one of those stories.

When you’re buying a car there are numerous factors to take into account but perhaps the most important question you have to ask yourself before buying your new or second-hand vehicle is: how long is it?

Toyota’s new CEO has come out of the gates at full charge towards the brand’s future, with a plan to “immediately’ and “thoroughly implement electrification”.

Ram has begun lifting the lid on the incoming Dakota mid-size ute, with the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rival expected to offer ICE and electrified powertrains, and it could arrive in right-hand drive from the factory for Australia.Ram boss Mike Koval showed an all-electric concept to the brand’s US dealers in March, which drove suspicions that the long-awaited ute would be an EV only offering.But Mr Koval told Australian media that wouldn’t be the case, with an electric-only powertrain limiting the truck’s popularity in global markets. Instead, the model would be offered with a choice of engine or motor, with ICE and EV both on the table.When asked if, given ICE remains a core part of Ram’s strategy, the new ute would keep a foot in both powertrain camps, Mr Koval replied: “Yes, because I don't want to limit my opportunities.”“I would be doing the team a disservice if I didn’t (offer ICE). I want to be able to sell it in every market around the world."The Dakota - although that name is yet to be confirmed - would form a key plank in Ram’s new global strategy, in which the brand will dedicate more engineering space to markets outside America.And that could include producing the Dakota in left- and right-hand drive from the factory, foregoing the need for the successful remanufacturing process that currently takes place through Ram Trucks Australia and Walkinshaw in Melbourne.When asked if the Dakota would be offered in left- and right-hand drive from the factory, Mr Koval replied: “It would always be the idea”.“When I got to the brand in 2016, I would say 96 percent of the engineering focus was on North America. That’s changing. Every new vehicle, starting with the (Ram 1500 REV), and everything beyond it, I will make it international in scope. Or I’ll try to.”So, onto the name. While Dakota is reportedly firming, Mr Koval says no decision has been made on what the truck would be called. "Obviously the Dakota name carries a lot of heritage. It's very special to us. I'll say if and when, we'll see. At the moment it's not, because it's just in concept phase. But we'll see," Mr Koval says."I will say this - we've been talkling about it forever. This is the Ram leadership team that is going to execute. We will be the team that delivers it."

The Ram 1500 REV has been confirmed for Australia, with the all-electric pick-up truck to arrive in our market soon after the model's US launch in late 2024.

The brand formerly known as SsangYong, KG Mobility, has unveiled three concepts at the Seoul Mobility Show this week, with each looking like there’s a production version on the way.

American manufacturers know how important the large pick-up segment is, but, increasingly, medium-sized pick-ups like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado are growing in popularity.

Since the beginning of this decade, models like the Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle (EV), reborn Explorer and Bronco SUVs and the trailblazing Maverick ute have really connected with consumers.

The Full Federal Court has dismissed appeals from both the ACCC and Mazda Australia relating to the years-long case over complaints from several Mazda customers seeking refunds or replacement vehicles.

It's all in the name. A utility is a light commercial vehicle with function - the ability to carry passengers and heavy loads with a minimum of fuss - at the top of the design priority list and the size of the tray or tub is critical.Tools, timber, pipes and bricks or bikes, baskets, rugs and hampers, a ute often plays a dual role between work and recreations so you need to know the length, height, width, width between the wheel arches, and tray depth. Here's our guide to the GWM ute.We have generally only listed tub dimensions. The dimensions of cab chassis trays depend on the specific tray you select when you buy a new vehicle. Always check with the appropriate vehicle dealer.These are guidelines, reliant on vehicle manufacturer-listed measurements. Measurements may vary, depending on tray or tub type.Tray refers to the load space of a cab-chassis ute; the tub refers to the load space of a pick-up style ute.GWM Ute tray dimensionsThe GWM Ute is available in pick-up style only; there are no cab-chassis versions available as standard.GWM Ute tub dimensionsThe GWM Ute is available only as a dual-cab and only in the pick-up style.Tub dimensions are 1560mm long, 1614mm wide, 1146mm wide between the wheel arches, and 563mm high.