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.
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.
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