Welcome to the May 2025 Newsletter 

Our first task each month is to thank the generous people who have donated to the OTA website. We earn some advertising revenue, but donations are very important for us. Don’t forget 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 can’t recall a first quarter of any year (and we’ve been reporting on 4WD matters for 50+ years) that had more model releases and updates. The 2024/25 model rush has been largely initiated by new Chinese vehicles, with some responses by established brands. It’s going to be an interesting year, we think.

In News we reported on a great gathering of Earthcruiser owners in Broken Hill; a hands-on 4WD experience near Brisbane and LDV’s looming court showdown with the ACCC.

In Buyers Guide – Large Utes we listed what we could find out about Ford’s imminent Ranger Super Duty. The rest of the Ranger/Raptor lineup is in the Medium Utes section.

Our Buyers Guide – Medium Utes updates included the return of the Foton Tunland; upgraded info on GWM Cannon and Cannon Alpha models; the MG U9 ute range; a new powerplant for the RAM 1500; JAC’s Hunter PHEV; and spec’s and pricing for the Kia Tasman.

In Large Wagons we noted upgrades to the Toyota 300 Series and Nissan’s Patrol.

In Campervans we listed the traction-enhanced-2WD Interstate ‘One’ model.

In Off Road Vans & Trucks we reported that Ford Australia has finally decided to bring in the 4WD Transit; OKA has made mechanical changes and can mount Earthcruiser motorhome modules; and Hino made the shock announcement that it stopped taking orders for the 817 4×4 light truck – two years ago.

Battery development continues apace and we’ve updated our Camping – Power battery story with the latest Sodium developments.

In Modification – Tyres we updated our Kumho AT52 long-term test report and also our TPMS story.

Phew!

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