Emission compliance drives one-tonne ute changover

As 2006 draws to a close, the Australian market is seeing a rush of model withdrawals and launches of new and facelifted models in the diesel 4x4 and light commercial segments. This is being driven by manufacturers forced to withdraw old technology diesel models as the transition period for the introduction of Euro III compliant diesel models draws to a close.

The period for diesels was extended to cover the extra time required to establish Australia-wide supplies of the clean, new diesel fuel upon which the new technology diesels rely. 

Ford was one of the first to make this adjustment after it ran out of F-series diesel stocks earlier than expected but couldn’t replace them as the next generation F-series diesel models are not yet available in right-hand drive.

Both Ford and Mazda were forced to drop the old four-cylinder petrol engines from the Bravo/Courier range which didn’t comply with Euro III emissions and substitute its old technology diesel as its base engine to keep these light commercials alive.

The time is now up for the old diesel as well. Two new diesels replace it in the new Mazda BT50 and Ford Ranger ranges (see news

Mazda and Ford will not replace the E-series/Econovan light vans that had to be withdrawn when replacement models in Japan use new technology Isuzu diesel engines under a licence agreement that does not include Australia. Mazda also claims that their delivery vans are no longer consistent with the sportier crossover focus of their latest SUV and light commercial models.

Nissan announced last year at the launch of its European-sourced D40 Navara range that the previous D22 Navara series from Japan would continue as a cheaper, smaller alternative until the end of 2006. Stocks of the D22 model (dual-cab pictured) have been run down to the point where they are expected to be cleared at the close of 2006 or early in 2007.

Nissan claims that the later D40 range will not be expanded to cover the loss of budget D22 configurations (such as the cab-chassis which is not available in the new range). Spokespeople say the company is confident that extra supplies of the hard to get D40 Navara will cover any loss of sales.

Mitsubishi has also capitalised on a two-tiered Triton range that included the smaller earlier model which soon comes to an end. Stocks of the old model are down but unlike Nissan, there are enough different Triton models in the new series to cover the gaps left by the old one.

This process has sped up the splintering of the one-tonne commercial vehicle market into two sizes at the close of 2006.

Both the Holden Rodeo and Mazda BT50/Ford Ranger remain faithful to the original 1700mm cabin width (plus wheel arch flares where fitted) defined by the Japanese models that established this class. The Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara have since grown a half-class larger in size and weight which in turn have dictated more powerful and often thirstier engines.

With the four-wheel drive twin-cab segment still one of the fastest growing in the local market, manufacturers have responded with such a range of different approaches to cabin, load space and price that few now are directly comparable. The latest diesel engines are providing further differentiation in a market segment that promises to become even more exciting in 2007.