Driving headline news
Toyota New Zealand is going to great lengths to show how capable the Hilux Hybrid is at towing while also improving fuel economy and reducing carbon emissions.
Currently on tour around the motu, one of the marque’s new utes is towing a trailer fitted with giant stainless-steel letters. The message is, “just a Hilux Hybrid towing a 3.5 tonne headline”.
While that weight is heavier than most baby elephants, says the company, it was chosen because it’s the maximum towing rate for the model and proves that hybrid – in this case, a Hilux with a motor-generator and extra 48-volt battery – “can do the heavy lifting”.
Susanne Hardy, Toyota NZ assistant vice-president, says: “In our decarbonisation journey, we have been focused on a multi-powertrain approach to ensure we are meeting all customer needs.
“At the same time, we need to ensure the capability of the Hilux Hybrid isn’t compromised. It is still just as grunty and reliable as its predecessors.”
The 2024 Hilux is the first Toyota to transition to a powertrain that couples a diesel-turbo engine with a hybrid system without any loss of functionality. It also means a lower carbon-emitting option is available to fleet buyers looking for a four-wheel drive and double-cab, ute such as the SR variant.
Available in SR, SR5 and SR5 Cruiser grades, the Hilux Hybrid precedes the new Land Cruiser Prado, which has just arrived here – also with a 48V hybrid system.
The steel 3.5-tonne headline on the ute being driven around the country was too big to make as one piece and it’s fully recyclable.
“The beauty of using stainless steel is that it doesn’t corrode, is easily welded, easily recycled at the end of the campaign and we could adjust the sheen of the typeface so it comes alive in the sunshine,” says Hardy.
“The inspiration behind the design was the block type used by typesetters in the printing process before it went digital as it has character and a three-dimensional form to it.”
The headline was scaled to fit the legally maximum trailer – six metres long and four metres high. It requires a triple axle and independent braking.
