NEWS
New 4WDs, accessories and aftermarket gear, tools, gadgets, events, books, maps, apps and much more. Click on one of the links to the right for specific information.
You can’t buy a new 70 Series now
Toyota Australia has stopped taking orders for the LandCruiser 70 Series, due to supply and demand factors that have resulted in years-long wait times for customers.
Unimogs for the SES
The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) has taken delivery of three Mercedes-Benz Trucks Unimog emergency response vehicles.
Roadvision Stealth driving light prize
Roadvision has kindly presented a pair of Stealth Series seven-inch driving lights to a lucky couple, Moyra and Peter S, of Victoria. Outback Travel Australia regularly hands out prizes to people among our group of website donors.
‘Ask Benny,’ says Projecta.
Electrical systems specialist company, Projecta, has set up a technical support forum on Facebook. One of the tech experts is Projecta’s long-serving employee, Benny.
Outback Travel Trio from Big Red Gear
We were very impressed with the value for money represented by Big Red Gear’s trio of LED driving lights and light bar. BRG has now made an Outback Travel Trio of this lighting combination, available for only $385.
Tough Dog Suspension buyout for $70 million
Aeroklas Asia Pacific, a 4WD accessories and automotive parts business owned by a Thai-listed company, has acquired John Agostino’s Tough Dog Sydney-based after-market suspension company, for AU$70 million.
Mahindra Scorpio-N preview
Mahindra & Mahindra have launched the new ‘Scorpio-N’ in India and it’s planned for Australian release in 2023.
Paddle-wheeler cruises in Longreach
Thousands of travellers are expected to cruise Longreach’s Thomson River in future years, thanks to the arrival of the 100-year-old paddle-wheeler, Pride of the Murray.
Toyota appeals $2 billion class action ruling
A class action by owners of certain HiLux and Prado vehicles against Toyota has received wide coverage in the general media. However, Toyota has a global reputation of being highly litigious and has already said it will appeal the Court’s ruling, so Class Action Members: don’t spend the money yet!
Win the Gotcha4Life ‘home-base’ truck
Probably the most-filmed Isuzu N Series of 2022 is being raffled, with the proceeds going to Gotcha4Life, Australia’s leading not-for-profit mental fitness foundation. Read below to find out how the truck performs and how to win it.
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
Outback NSW’s biggest ever live music event is scheduled for 18-20 August 2022, featuring a stellar lineup of Australian artists.
Retro RV teams up with Camplify
Retro RV motorhomes has committed its franchise operators to list their vans exclusively with leading motorhome, campervan and caravan rental platform Camplify. The Retro RV fleet numbers 25 vehicles.
Bendix partners with Outback Cleanups Australia
Bendix has partnered with Outback Cleanups Australia, a registered not-for-profit charity dedicated to removing rubbish from Australia’s remote coastal areas, bushlands and marine environments.
The ‘Scout’ brand is being revived
Volkswagen Group plans to revive the Scout off-road badge, to create a share of the booming US light-truck market.
Australian road accident report April 2022
The Australian Government released some sobering news in April 2022: road fatalities spiked 2.7-percent in the last 12 months – the largest increase in incidents since 2018. More than 1100 people have died in road accidents since February 2021.
SsangYong future under a cloud
Unlike popular motoring news outlets, Outback Travel Australia didn’t share in the media enthusiasm for the proposed merger and acquisition (M&A) offer made by Korean electric bus maker, Edison, for troubled SsangYong Motors – currently operating under Seoul Rehabilitation Court administration.
Ford F-150 coming Down Under in 2023
Ford Australia is planning for the legendary F-150 to arrive in Australia by mid-2023, through a right-hand drive, local remanufacturing program with RMA Automotive Holdings.
Isuzu Truck’s 50 years Down Under
In 2022, Isuzu Trucks celebrated 50 years of operation in Australia, with a key focus on the people and product that have contributed to this enviable achievement.
Gold Coast’s Caravan & Outdoor Expo in March
The Gold Coast’s largest caravanning event, the Let’s Go Gold Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo, is returning to Metricon Stadium from Friday, March 4, to Sunday, March 6.
Nissan legends search
Nissan’s legendary Patrol celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021and to celebrate, Nissan is finding Patrol owners around Australia who have done incredible things with their vehicles. One such owner is Les Siviour.
The Federal Government doesn’t know its RATs or its SCRs
Reporting on the current twin crises of Covid testing inadequacies and AdBlue supply uncertainty, without roundly condemning the Federal Government is just not possible.
Travelling bush laundry fleet announced
Orange Sky, supported by Australian electronics manufacturer, REDARC and global visual communications platform, Canva, has launched the world’s first solar powered laundry van fleet, to support people experiencing homelessness, or doing it tough, in remote Indigenous communities.
Toyota previews a BEV lineup
After systematically downplaying the significance of battery-electric vehicles for years Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) displayed 16 battery-electric concept vehicles in Tokyo on December 15.
Audi’s Dakar electric-drive challenge
The Audi RS Q e-tron competition vehicle is scheduled to race in Dakar Rally in January 2022, with Audi Motorsport fielding its range-extended EV prototype.
Why there’s an AdBlue shortage
“Everything is connected to everything else,” said Leonardo da Vinci, all those years ago, predicting situations like the post-pandemic skyrocketing price of oil and natural gas that would result in a sudden shortage of AdBlue.
H2X fuel-cell ute
Call us cynical, if you will, but we can’t rise to the level of press excitement generated by the news that Gippsland-based H2X Global is planning to launch a Ford Ranger based, fuel-cell ute in early 2022.
Book Review – The Ferals that Ate Australia by Guy Hull
Guy Hull’s previous best-seller was called The Dogs that Made Australia and he’s followed it up with a sad history of the feral populations that have made life a misery for many Australians – indigenous and immigrants – over the past 200 years.
ACCC survey on the caravan industry
Torsus Terrastorm for Australia? Maybe.
Slovakian company Torsus has announced its ‘Terrastorm’ derivative of the 4Motion-equipped Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE platform. Will this vehicle make it Down Under? Maybe.
Camperact now a Kimberley Kamper dealer
Camperact has been appointed a dealer for Kimberley Kampers in NSW and the ACT, adding to an impressive list of brands it represents.
Better unsealed roads forecast
Those of us who drive on the nations dirt and gravel roads will probably agree with the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) in welcoming a new Commonwealth Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program. This Program will offer councils 80 to 100 percent of required funding to make unsealed local roads safer and more productive.
Caravan safety check list
Many caravans have been sitting idle for quite some time, because of the travel restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Hino’s 2022 Dakar truck
Brisbane Caravan & Outdoor Show
If you didn’t get to the recent Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan & Outdoor Show – only Queenslanders and captive interstate visitors could – here’s some of what you missed.
New National Park for 4WD recreation
According to The Land, the NSW Government has purchased the 121,390-hectare Avenel/Mt Westwood Station, north of Broken Hill. The combined properties were once part of Sir Sydney Kidman’s Corona Station.
REDARC’s REDNetwork
REDARC has announced the introduction of a new REDNetwork program – a national network of auto electrical focused trade businesses who have been certified by REDARC to install REDARC products.
Solar motorhome concept
Yes, we know that this prototype solar motorhome has insufficient ground clearance for Aussie conditions, but its essence is worth investigating, we reckon.
How much plastic are you wearing
New Zealand-born natural performance apparel company, Icebreaker, has launched a provocative marketing campaign that asks consumers one simple question: “Are you still wearing plastic?” For many consumers, the answer is: “Yes”.
Water from the Air
Watergen Ltd, a global leading company in atmospheric water generation technology, plans to launch what is said to be the world’s first built-in water generator for recreation vehicles and campers in 2022.
Go-anywhere hybrid-EV ute is coming
An all-new British company has launched an extended-range, electrically-powered adventure ute that is designed to handle the most demanding terrains.
Toyota tackles the Taliban’s Toyota taste
The fact that Middle Eastern, African and Afghani Islamic extremists prefer Toyotas as the base for their gunships is more than just an embarrassment for Toyota. The company is taking steps to ensure that thousands of new 300 Series wagons don’t find their way into conflict zones.
Redarc’s ‘Australianised’ Toyota Tacoma
Redarc’s US office has used the company’s successful Australian Outback experience to demonstrate what it can do for adventurers based in the USA. Redarc has tricked-out a 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road model.
Finke Desert Race on in June
Dometic expands its camping gear empire
Isuzu MU-X seven-seater wagon preview
Ahead of the Australian launch in late-2021, the Isuzu MU-X seven-seat SUV has been previewed. Obvious from the photos are LED headlights and 20-inch wheels. Inside is a 225mm (9-inch) touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay.
Jeep 80th Anniversary special models
Jeep Australia is introducing 80th Anniversary Special Edition models, from late May 2021.
ARB and Ford accessories collaboration
ARB and Ford – are collaborating to sell selected off-road accessories as Ford Licensed Accessories through participating Ford dealers in Australia from the second half of 2021.
A warning for new caravan buyers
Buyers of caravans need to be extremely careful to ensure that their proposed caravan is fully-compliant with Australia’s vehicle safety Regulations, as stated in the Australian Design Rules.
Ford USA addresses overloading issues
Isuzu UTE Australia goes life-saving
With millions of people flocking to Australian beaches, safety on our beaches continues to be the top priority. To assist with keeping our patrolled shores safe, Isuzu UTE Australia is pledging support to the national symbol of beach safety, Surf Life Saving Australia, with a fleet of Isuzu D-MAX Utes and MU-X SUVs.
Renault now distributed through Ateco
1st April 2021: Renault Australia officially joined the Ateco Group today following a successful business transition process.
Isuzu UTE Australia racks up 200,000 sales
As reported by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), by the end of February 2021 an accumulative total of 148,077 D-MAX utes and 52,038 MU-X SUVs have been delivered in Australia.
Goodyear taking over Cooper
Goodyear is taking over Cooper in a deal that has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Cooper shareholders will receive US$41.75 per share in cash and a fixed exchange ratio of 0.907 shares of Goodyear common stock per Cooper share for a total equity value of approximately US$2.8 billion.
Special-edition Land Rover Trophy Defender event
Land Rover Classic is a Division of Land Rover that refurbishes second hand vehicles and resells them. This Division continuing the formidable expedition legacy of the original Defender with a limited production run of adventure-ready Defender Works V8 Trophy vehicles for an exclusive competition at Eastnor Castle in 2021.
Brisbane 4WD Show returns this year
The National 4×4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo is returning to the Brisbane Showgrounds from March 19th to 21st, 2021.
Cummins and Isuzu tie the knot
Your next Isuzu 4×4 could be Cummins powered.
Vale Darrell White
PSA and FCA will merge in 2021
Hummer electric ute breaks cover in the USA
GMC has started taking orders in the USA for its brand new all-electric Hummer crew-cab ute. Variations in power, driving range and equipment levels are available and deliveries are scheduled for 2022.
Mercedes-Benz off-road electric concept vehicle
Based on the Mercedes-Benz battery-electric EQC car is a concept vehicle that demonstrates the off-road ability of an all-electric vehicle. The EQC 4×4² shows that electrification at Mercedes-Benz goes further than the road network.
Winton’s Way Out West Festival scheduled for April 2021
One of Queensland’s most anticipated music festivals, the iconic Winton’s Way Out West Festival, is scheduled for April 2021, with a star-studded line-up of more than 100 Australian artists and musicians. Way Out West is planned to run for six days and nights of entertainment in seven Outback locations.
“Where The Bloody Hell Am I?”
The slightly modified Iconic 2006 travel slogan has been brought back by comms specialist GME as more Aussies go ‘bush’ and country icons, including Lee Kernaghan, urge Aussies to prioritise safety when exploring the great outdoors.
Reflections rewards front-line health workers
To mark the start of spring Reflections Holiday Parks is calling on Australians to share their feel-good moments as part of an online initiative to give a well-deserved holiday to some of the country’s hard working frontline healthcare workers in Victoria.
Ranger Nick launches fun Curry for Covid campaign on Father’s Day
With all the stress around Covid this year, a famous Aussie bush cook is launching a fun Curry for Covid campaign to help boost family immune systems on Father’s Day on September 6th.
Toyota 70 Series recall
At last, Toyota has admitted serious problems with the 70 Series DPF.
Jeep Wrangler hybrid previewed in Las Vegas
Normally, new 4WD products are launched at international motor shows, but Jeep chose this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas to preview the new Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Alice Springs Beanie Festival
The 2019 event will be held at the Araluen Culturaln Precinct, 61 Larapinta Drive, Araluen, Alice Springs from Friday 28th June to Monday, 1st July.
100 Things To See In The Kimberley
Book review by Allan Whiting: 100 Things To See In The Kimberley by local tour guide Scotty Connell
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite recall
REDARC has announced a product recall on Tow-Pro Elite V2 Electric brake controller units sold after the 1st September 2018.
Jeep Gladiator name returns on a Wrangler-based ute
Jeep hasn’t had a ute in the Australian market since the demise of the J-series in the 1980s. The J-series replaced the range that was marketed in the USA as ‘Gladiator’ until 1971.
Speedy Wheels’ 2018 Red Centre Wheel range released
Speedy Wheels is an Australian-owned company that imports specialised wheels. The company’s 2018 release is a range of 4WD wheels in popular 17-, 18- and 20-inch diameters and branded Red Centre Wheels (RCW).
World record Lego caravan replica
Caravanning Queensland and Top Parks are officially the new Guinness World Record title holders for the world’s Largest LEGO® Caravan.
Warn turns 70
Seventy years ago, Arthur Warn started Warn Industries with a set of locking hubs for surplus WWII Jeeps. Over the next seven decades, the company pioneered the electric winch and supplied automakers with OE parts.
Book review – Motorhome self-build and optimisation
‘One thousand tips and tricks for anyone wanting to build a motorhome or optimise an existing vehicle.’
Fuel cell Colorado on test
A militarily-modified Chevrolet Colorado, designated the ZH2, is the most off-road-capable fuel-cell-powered electric vehicle ever from General Motors.
Mitsubishi becomes part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance
Nissan Motor Co Ltd has completed its acquisition of a 34% equity stake in Mitsubishi Motors (“MMC”) and became its largest shareholder.
The Caravan and Motorhome Book
Review by Allan Whiting: This is an excellent publication and the third edition in a series that has been updated annually since 2001. However, I have an issue with the title that doesn’t really describe the contents.
Tim Bowden and Rod Ledingham – Abandoned at Fossil Bluff
ABANDONED AT FOSSIL BLUFF – A Remarkable Account of Antarctic Survival
Tim Bowden’s ‘Penelope’ Audio Books
Penelope Speaks… four audio books have been published on the travels of Tim and Ros Bowden in Outback Australia.