Toyota unveils 2025 BRU compact ute

Toyota has taken the wraps off a vehicle set to be a global phenomenon – and it’s not the new 2025 Toyota Hilux.

Built by the Toyota Design Australia team, the new ute has been custom-made for the world-famous Australian kids’ music group, The Wiggles.

The global super group has traded in the Big Red Car for this rough and ready compact electric pick-up truck, which is all but guaranteed to surprise and delight fans of all ages.

Called the BRU or Big Red Ute, the new EV features a commercial grade bubble machine that can crank out floating fascination at 6000bpm (bubbles per minute) and features LED ‘eye’ headlights.

The design is inspired by the Toyota FJ Cruiser and is fully drivable.

Along with its adventurous off-road design, the Big Red Ute can carry four wiggles at a time and is powered by a small 48-volt electric motor and sustained by a compact lithium-ion battery, a combination capable of reaching an eye-watering 20km/h.

Car-makers across the global are targeting younger buyers, specifically Generation Z, to establish themselves as trusted brands. But Toyota is getting in very, very early, with its Big Red Ute expected to be seen by 10s of millions of children.

The Blue Wiggle, Anthony Field, was clearly pumped to see the band’s latest stage vehicle take shape.

“We’re beyond thrilled to unveil the Big Red Ute stage car for the very first time,” he said.

“Thanks to Toyota, this new addition is packed with fun, moveable gadgets and gismos and is sure to fuel excitement for Wiggles fans for years to come.

“Buckle up – it’s going to be a Wiggly ride.”

The collaboration comes after Toyota built a full-sized Big Red Ute for The Wiggles last month: a very colourful Hilux with an eye-catching paintjob and vibrant wheels, which formed the crux of the super group’s new song, ‘Big Red Ute’.

The custom-made stage car will allow The Wiggles to perform the Big Red Ute song with gusto on stage, trilling out catchy lines such as “Cruisin’ in the Big Red Ute, it goes vroom vroom, toot, you beaut!”

The senior designer at Toyota Design Australia, Michael Mills, said it was a delightful project and a very special experience collaborating with The Wiggles.

“From the initial creative ideation process to the final, functional model build, every step has been an adventure filled with fun and excitement,” he said.

“We were thrilled when we were approached to design and develop the Big Red Ute

stage car, and the team wanted to ensure every detail of the vehicle captured the fun and vibrant spirit of The Wiggles.

“We hope the Big Red Ute brings as much joy to fans as it did to us during its creation.”

Toyota now has three vehicles associated with the group, all of which will be headed to Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth, in January with The Wiggles set perform at Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Taking place on January 21 at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, the new BRU will tour with The Wiggles across Australia and world-wide.

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