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Toyota Hilux Hybrid goes on tour towing heavy steel headline
Toyota New Zealand has gone to great lengths and weights – 3.5 tonnes over six metres to be precise – to demonstrate just how capable the new Hilux Hybrid is at towing, while also improving fuel economy and reducing carbon emissions.
Currently on tour around New Zealand and coming to a Toyota Store or A&P Show near you shortly, the Hilux Hybrid is towing a trailer fitted with a giant stainless steel headline reading “Just a Hilux Hybrid towing a 3.5 tonne headline”.
While 3.5 tonne is heavier than most boats, caravans, or baby elephants, the weight was chosen as it is the maximum towing rate for the new Hilux Hybrid and proves that hybrids, in this case a Hilux with a Motor/Generator and additional 48V battery, can step up and do the heavy lifting.
Toyota NZ Assistant Vice President Susanne Hardy says hybrids have been able to tow various different weights, but this is Toyota’s first hybrid that can tow some serious weight at 3.5 tonnes.
“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 make sure that the capability of the Hilux Hybrid isn’t compromised – it is still just as grunty and reliable as its predecessors,” Susanne says.
The 2024 Hilux is the first Toyota to transition to a hybrid powertrain that couples a diesel turbo engine with a 48V hybrid system with no loss of functionality. For the first time, a lower carbon emitting hybrid option is available to fleet buyers looking for a four-wheel drive and double cab ute such as the Hilux SR.
The Hilux Hybrid, available in SR, SR5 and SR5 Cruiser grades, precedes the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which has also just arrived in New Zealand with a 48V hybrid system. With a wide range of 14 Hilux variants available, Toyota is determined to provide the right Hilux for the right job.
The Hilux Hybrid and trailer will be making its way around the country, stopping at A&P Shows from now until March. It’s been to the Blenheim A&P Show and is now at The Christchurch Show from 14-16 November.
Susanne says the steel 3.5 tonne headline was way too big to make as one piece. So, it was built in a modular form with 140 folds, 974 bolts and 6,512 welds. The headline was built with sustainability in mind – making it fully recyclable was a must.
“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. 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 – 6 metres long and 4 metres high. With a combined weight of 3.5 tonnes, it required a triple axle and independent braking.
“It will be great seeing it travelling through the country and we can’t wait to see peoples’ reactions,” Susanne says.
The Hilux Hybrid is available at all Toyota Stores for test drives. Sales of the Hilux have been capped to ensure Toyota NZ meets its Clean Car Importer Standard targets for 2025.