MAKING A PITA STOP
YARON ELIAHU, OWNER OF DANNY’S PITA BREAD, DRIVES A TOYOTA LAND CRUISER
What are you driving?
A 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser VX 200 Limited. It’s a seven-seater, it has a leather interior, heated seats in the back and the front, cooling and heating in the seats in the front. It’s a metallic graphite colour and I’ve had it for four years.
Why did you choose this vehicle for your work?
It’s a great car. I wanted to have enough space to transport our pita bread wherever I needed to deliver it, to tow my boat and above all to ensure my family are safe and comfortable while I drive around.
How much did your non-working life influence your choice?
I like the outdoors, offroading and to get into places that a car wouldn’t be able to reach.
How does this vehicle reflect your personality?
It’s strong, reliable and has a big personality.
Who else drives your Toyota?
My wife drives it as she needs to transport our children.
What do you always keep in it?
There’s a lot of space, so I can store tools for mending any breakdowns at the bakery and outdoor equipment for special family time over the weekend.
Any other vehicles in your garage?
We also have a 1997 Jaguar Sovereign and a 2016 BMW X1.
Any ideas of what will be your next vehicle?
In an ideal world, I would buy a Maserati Quattroporte, but in the real world, I’ll be looking to upgrade my Land Cruiser in the next few months.
Your first car? And did you love it or loathe it?
My first car was a Peugeot 403. I loved it because it had plenty of space, it was grunty and it had an open sun roof that was perfect for the hot Israeli summer. I sold it because it was time to move on. I got into hunting and I needed a Jeep, so I got myself an ex-army Wrangler.
Any vehicles you have regretted selling?
I have no regrets. There’s always been a good reason to move on.
Manual or automatic; which do you prefer?
I prefer manual cars as they have a greater performance, and you feel that you are driving.
Favourite movie car scene?
The Aston DB5 vs Porsche scene in Goldeneye.
And racing driver?
Ayrton Senna, he was a legend of his time.
Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?
I love driving my Land Cruiser and most of the routes that I travel are not on public transport routes.
Your take on Auckland’s traffic?
Auckland’s traffic is hectic, the roads aren’t suitable for the amount of traffic. Everything is always under construction. , I would make the public transport system more reliable and have one lane on the motorway for cars carrying more than four passengers during peak times.
And how do you feel about new tech in cars, electric and driverless?
Electric cars are good as they are protecting the environment. More charging stations and higher performance cars would be good. I can imagine driverless cars would become a part of life, but where’s the fun in that?