Aussie ute boom far from over

New year, new ute. The humble load-lugger is expected to be in hot demand in 2017 as the market surges towards another likely sales record.

With Australians purchasing a record number of new cars in 2016 – some 1.178 million – industry experts believe the upward trajectory will only continue into the New Year.

In fact, Toyota executives are tipping that light commercials will make up close to 20 per cent of the market in 2017.

“We will see continued growth in this segment probably because of the nature of the offerings from all our competitors,” said Toyota Australia executive director Tony Cramb.

“We’re delighted with our sales performance this year; actually we’re a bit above where we thought we’d be. It was an outstanding with a result similar to that expected for 2017.”

Cramb’s sentiments were echoed by Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief Tony Weber, who believes all the provisions are in place for a record 2017.

“All the conditions are there for another really strong year. I can’t see any reasons why it wouldn’t be strong,” he said.

“Prices are so competitive, employment is strong in this country, interest rates are low and there is confidence in the economy. I think the conditions are there for another very strong year.”

Weber said that the versatility of a modern ute, brought about by improved comfort and safety, meant it had become a viable option for many Australian families.

“The growth -- as witnessed in 2016 and appears certain to continue in 2017 -- is in SUVs and light commercial vehicles, particularly dual-cab utilities,” he said.

“New models with significant performance and comfort attributes, combined with the existing vehicle mix, continue to make Australia one of the most competitive new-car markets in the world.”