Toyota’s ‘Now For Something Completely Different’ Moment

Toyota New Zealand has built a steel sculpture that it’s hauling around New Zealand on a trailer. And it reads “Just a Hilux Hybrid towing a 3.5 tonne headline”.

The meaning is self explanatory but for those needing it spelt out, Hilux Hybrid can tow 3.5 tonnes braked. Toyota adds “while also improving fuel economy and reducing carbon emissions”. That’s by almost 10 per cent, according to the firm (SR5 combined figure of 8.7L/100km).

The big rig is coming to a Toyota Store or A&P Show near you during summer. 

Toyota reckons that 3.5 tonnes is heavier than most boats, caravans, and even baby elephants. It does show that hybrids like this “can step up and do the heavy lifting”.

Toyota NZ Assistant Vice President, Susanne Hardy, says 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”.

The 2024 Hilux is the first Toyota to use a diesel hybrid powertrain. It couples a turbodiesel with a 48V hybrid system, and no loss of functionality. So this means a lower carbon emitting hybrid option is available to fleet buyers looking for a 4wd double cab ute.

The Hilux Hybrid, available in SR, SR5 and SR5 Cruiser grades, precedes the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. And the latter has just arrived in New Zealand with a 48V hybrid system. 

The Hilux Hybrid and trailer will be on show from now until March 2025. It’s already been to the Blenheim A&P Show and is currently at The Christchurch Show (14-16 November).

Toyota’s headline sculpture was built with sustainability in mind and is fully recyclable.

Hardy says “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 headline was scaled to fit the legal maximum for a trailer – six metres long and four 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,” Hardy says.

Sales of the Hilux have been capped to ensure Toyota NZ meets its Clean Car Importer Standard targets for 2025.