By: DT_AUS

DT_AUS
Tue, 10 Sep 2024 22:55:50 +0000

When Toyota decided to stop building its V8 70 series Landcruiser and power it with a 4 pot instead, there was a mad rush in Australia to purchase the last of the V8 models, such that profiteers were soon selling them for $20-30K above list price (and still are). Plenty of motoring writers were pointing out that the new 4-cylinder motor was better in a number of respects, but Australians are a practical lot. They know that the V8 is easier to modify, repair and work on, which can make a difference when you are out the back of beyond and nowhere near a shiny urban dealership. Given the distances Australians regularly cover and lack of infrastructure around them, they need a dependable vehicle. As the old saying goes, if you want to go bush, buy a Land Rover. If you want to come back, buy a Toyota.

The point being motorists often have a better idea of their vehicle needs than the government, the regulators and often the manufacturers. We’ve seen an early fast uptake of EVs in cities amongst the elites with driveways, etc but I can’t see EVs catching on across our largely desert country for a long time yet. Nobody wants to die of thirst next to a dead battery.