And the latest on light trucks?

We were anticipating a massive upsurge in van registrations following on from the temporary disaffection with the ute market recently, but you could have knocked us over with a CB antenna when we learned from just about every light truck manufacturer how popular their product offerings had suddenly become.

“Can’t get a ute? Get a truck,” seems to be the order of the day and that’s not just wishful thinking on the part of the truck distributors; the light truck is really coming into its own in terms of a practical ‘vehicle needed now’ solution.

Are light trucks cooler than a double cab ute? Most would say not, but are they better for your business? Most emphatically, yes.

A class 1 truck, which can be driven by anyone in your organisation holding a car licence, can carry more, is as well set up in terms of safety and comfort features as the average everyday ute, is often cheaper to buy, and can be leased, won’t generally be subjected to high-speed driving – less infringement notices – and provide greater visibility for the driver in a sea of utes and high riding SUVS. Plus, your drivers are driving trucks, and everybody knows how cool trucks are to drive!

Accordingly, truck makers are producing trucks which are as easy to drive as a car, some would say easier, and the equipment levels are right up there.

I can remember a time when New Zealand’s number one selling van did not have aircon as standard (it wasn’t that long ago either), but today’s light trucks have it, and much more besides.

And what’s more, the light trucks of today are actually leading the way in emission-friendly transport. They are cleaner, quieter and generally becoming a better bet for any organisation wanting to make an environmental or efficiency statement.

At Company Vehicle, we have just started scratching the surface of the light truck industry, but we’re excited by the new developments in this market sector and the overall desirability of the products available.

Check out the surprising segment that is light trucks, you may not need to wait for that replacement ute as much as you thought.