Play status: American full-size pickup truck in Australia

None of the best-selling American pickups were made there with right-hand drive. However, because of all of that, demand for these monsters in Australia is skyrocketing and manufacturers are finding ways to supply them.

Ram Trucks, Chevrolet and Ford have all found cost-effective ways to re-engineer their beasts to be locally right-driven, to appeal to those in need of around 500mm shorter. of them. Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger can provide them.

There’s been an industry of RHD redesigns for a while (much like Performax), but now it’s happening on a scale that is hard to believe, with full factory support and all the What gives customers ease-of-purchase and reassurance.

North of America’s 6,000 full-size pickup trucks, nearly 6.0 million in length, found a home here last year, and further growth looks certain as more brands join the fray and share the money. reward.

Australian Ram Trucks

When Ram Trucks Australia hit the market in 2016 as a joint venture between distributor Ateco Automotive and manufacturer Walkinshaw, it was a start-up focused on heavy-duty Ram 2500 diesel engines.

But it quickly scaled up with the introduction of the smaller and cheaper Hemi V8-powered Ram 1500, using hundreds of locally sourced parts at a 24-hour production line in Melbourne’s east. . The slogan “Breakfast for breakfast” says it all.

Now known as Ram Trucks Australia, this business is the only company that imports and officially distributes new left-hand drive vehicles exported directly from the Ram factory in the US and manufactures scooters. drive on the right.

In 2016, Ram sold 292 pickups, and in 2017 398. But this has increased to 723 units in 2018 and skyrocketed to 2,868 units in 2019, then 3320 units in 2020 and a record 4025 units in 2021.

It is currently selling two generations of Ram 1500, the best selling along with brawnier 2500, called ‘DS’ and ‘DT’.

Range is provided by a 5.7 liters of gasoline V8 do 291kW power and 556Nm of torque, fitted to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of 12.2L/100km and towing capacity with brakes of 4500kg – 1000kg more than the LandCruiser, Patrol or any diesel dual cab.

Prices start at $82,950 plus shipping for the base DS Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab, climbing to $95,950 for the Crew Cab and $111,950 for the Warlock. The DT-Series starts at $123,900 for the Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab, topping out at $148,950 for the Limited.

THAN: Review off-road vehicle 2022 Ram 1500 Express
THAN: Review 2021 Ram 1500 DT

General Motors Special Vehicles

General Motors Specialty Vehicle has risen from the ashes of GM’s now-defunct Holden brand with a national network, selling Chevrolet Silverados – similarly, redesigned at Walkinshaw’s Clayton facility – beginning later in the year. 2020 under the GMSV banner.

While Ram Trucks Australia is an Australian owned business with the backing of the Ram factory, GMSV is part of the broader GM business, although for customers it doesn’t make much of a difference. different.

In 2021, GMSV reported sales of 2118 Silverado units.

Two Silverado 1500 variants are available, called LT Trail Boss and LTZ Premium respectively.

Both use a V8 petrol 6.2 liter naturally aspirated production engine 313kW power and 624Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of 12.3L/100km. Like Ram, brake pulling power is up to 4500kg.

Prices are $106,990 and $114,990 before on-road costs.

THAN: How Walkinshaw is turning American pickups into heavier trucks
THAN: Price and specifications Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2021

Ford

Now Ford Australia has entered the fray, promising to bring the iconic F-150 here by mid-2023, redesigned by global partner RMA Automotive at a new facility in the north. Melbourne, about 70 kilometers from the Walkinshaw factory in Clayton.

Ford made no secret of the fact that strong sales of the Silverado and Ram were behind the decision to bring the F-150 back to Australia after two decades. U.S. full-size pickup truck sales have skyrocketed since 2018, and Blue Oval doesn’t want to miss out on the action.

Vehicles will be warranted for 5 years with unlimited kilometers and sold and serviced through Ford Australia’s dealer network.

The amount it will be converted to is yet to be confirmed (or revealed), but Ford Australia boss Andrew Birkic has made it clear that Blue Oval wants to sell the F-150 in bulk.

“We’re pretty confident in our truck,” he told the media. “We are not coach builders,” he said. “This is definitely not a hobby.”

Ford will offer two models – XLT and Lainst – in Australia at launch, both of which will be equipped with the option of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine, with 298kW power and 678Nm of torque. Brake pulling capacity is 4500kg.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard, along with convertible four-wheel drive.

THAN: Ford F-150 coming to Australia in 2023

Toyota

What’s next? Well, just quietly market leader Toyota says it is eager to explore possible ways to bring the new Tundra to Australia, and since it shares a lot with the LandCruiser 300 it is technically achievable. . If that happens, watch out.

“Toyota Australia is aware that the large truck segment in Australia has grown in popularity over the past few years and it is a segment that we continue to research and are generally interested in,” a spokesperson said. of the company told us.

“We have no announcement to introduce Tundra to Australia today and will continue to research its viability for the Australian market.”

THAN: Toyota Tundra is being ‘researched’ for Australia