Antonella Abbate • 4 April 2025

1440 Toyota Hilux Utes Gather in New Zealand to Set Unofficial World Record

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Real Country Farm, located south of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand, became the epicenter of an extraordinary automotive event. A staggering 1440 Toyota Hilux utes assembled in an attempt to set an unofficial world record, eclipsing the previous record of 495 Toyota Hilux vehicles gathered in South Africa in 2010.


The event attracted Toyota Hilux owners and enthusiasts from across New Zealand and beyond, all eager to be part of this historic gathering. Organizers and participants worked meticulously to line up the vehicles, creating an awe-inspiring display of automotive power and loyalty to one of the world’s most iconic utility vehicles.


The Toyota Hilux has earned a reputation for being one of the most rugged and reliable pickup trucks globally. Its durability and performance in extreme conditions have made it a staple for farmers, tradies, off-road adventurers, and commercial operators alike. This record-breaking event was not just a celebration of numbers but also a tribute to the legacy of the Hilux and its impact on various industries and lifestyles.


Beyond the record attempt, the gathering featured various activities, including off-road demonstrations, meet-and-greets with Toyota enthusiasts, and a showcase of customized Hilux models. Participants enjoyed a day filled with camaraderie, adventure, and shared appreciation for their beloved vehicles.


While the event has yet to receive official recognition as a world record, the sheer scale of the turnout and the enthusiasm of those involved made it an unforgettable milestone in the history of the Toyota Hilux. Organizers expressed pride in achieving such a massive turnout and thanked all who contributed to making the day a resounding success.



With 1440 Toyota Hilux utes gathered in one location, New Zealand has firmly placed itself on the map for automotive world record attempts, demonstrating not only the passion of Hilux owners but also the unbreakable bond between drivers and their vehicles.

Australia’s New Car Market Booms Amid Incoming EV Brands and Strategic Partnerships

by Antonella Abbate • 19 June 2025
Australia’s new car market continues its upward trajectory, with a growing influx of automotive brands set to enter the local landscape over the next 12 months. Leading this surge is a clear industry-wide shift towards electrification, as a wave of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid options are poised to hit showrooms across the country. At the forefront of this momentum is a notable development from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. In a bold move to strengthen its EV credentials, Mitsubishi has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, a Taiwanese electric vehicle manufacturer backed by tech giant Foxconn. This strategic alliance aims to co-develop and launch a new electric vehicle model tailored specifically for the New Zealand and Australian markets

A Farewell to Ian Lovelace

by Antonella Abbate • 16 June 2025
LOVELACE, Ian Charles

Apology for April Fool’s Day Joke – The “Scania Ute”

by Antonella Abbate • 11 June 2025
We’d like to come clean… The “Scania Ute” is, unfortunately, not a real product—yet! This concept was part of an April Fool’s Day joke. While we know the idea of a heavy-duty Scania truck combined with a ute bed and powered by our iconic V8 engine might sound like a dream come true, it was all in good fun. We apologise if this caused any confusion or got your hopes (or engines) running a little too fast.  Thanks for being such great sports, and who knows? Maybe one day…