Welcome to the December 2024 – January 2025 Newsletter

The flood of new models and upgrades continued into December this year and we reckon that the traditional 4WD brands are in for a rough time in 2025. Chinese and Korean models are hunting for their business.

So, our Buyers Guide Medium Utes section lists info on a brand new LDV battery-electric ute; Ford’s Super Duty 4.5-tonnes-GVM 2026 Ranger; Kia’s anticipated Tasman; BYD Shark options and pricing; Toyota Tundra’s massive ask; and more info on the imminent JAC T9 ute.

In the Buyers Guide Large Wagons section we added more info on the forthcoming GMC Yukon and tested the Lexus GX Overtrail model. In Medium Wagons we added a tow test of the four-cylinder LandCruiser 76 model.

Off Road Vans & Trucks entries were previews of Isuzu’s 2025 F Series 4x4s – N Series 4×4 preview coming later in December. There’s also more bad news about the seriously postponed Iveco Daily 4×4 revamp.

In Modifications – DIY Workshop we reported on our LandCruiser 70 Series tray rebuild and warned against DIY aircon sealant and regas jobs.

Camping – Power has an updated story on portable power packs and we began test reports on small EcoFlow and Bluetti power stations. We’ll keep checking out this pair over the summer months, along with an evaluation of EcoFlow’s solar hat and add our reports to the website during the Silly Season.

In Camping – Gear we looked at some of the two-wheeled electric scooters and bikes you can use for getting around camping destinations.

In 4WD Driving Skills we talked about the correct operation of auto boxes.

Although our next OTA Newsletter won’t be until early February 2025, we’ll be adding content to the website through December and January, including a test of the new Toyota Prado.

If you’re quick there’s still time to take advantage of our advertisers’ Black Friday and Cyber Monday on-line bargains. Commission from adverts and editorial links on our website is our principal source of income.

We also get much appreciated income from donations and remember that anyone who donates $50 or more to the OTA website goes into the regular prize draws that we will make throughout 2025. Make sure you’re in the running.

We’re also happy to report that our issues with FaceBook have been resolved and we’re back posting regularly on this social media site.

If your interests run to old bikes, cars and trucks, check out our other website: www.historicvehicles.com.au.

We’d like to wish all our website visitors and subscribers the very best for Xmas and New Year, and look forward to your feedback in 2025.

Allan Whiting and the OTA Team