_SV6_utility_(2018-10-01)_01.jpg)
Aute (/juːt/YOOT), originally an abbreviation for "utility" or "coupé utility", is a term used inAustralia andNew Zealand to describe vehicles with atonneau behind the passenger compartment, that can be driven with a regular driver's licence.
Traditionally, the term referred to vehicles built on passenger car chassis and with the cargo tray integrated with the passenger body (coupé utility vehicles). However, present-day usage of the term "ute" inAustralian English andNew Zealand English has expanded to include any vehicle with an open cargo area at the rear,[1][2][3][4][5] which would be called apickup truck in other countries.
Both wellside trays (factory-installed mouldedSUV-style trays with fixed sides, also called tubs) and flat-bed trays (lower trays with removable sides, often installed bydealerships rather than the factory) are popular on utes in New Zealand, with wellsides more popular for in-city work and flat-beds more popular in rural contexts.[6][7]
Historically, the term "ute" (short for 'utility vehicle') has been used to describe a 2-door vehicle based on a passenger car chassis, such as the Ford Ranchero,Holden Commodore, AustralianFord Falcon,Chevrolet El Camino andSubaru BRAT. Australian-produced utes were traditionallyrear-wheel drive and with the cargo tray integrated with the passenger body (as opposed to apickup truck, where the cargo tray is separated from the passenger body).
In the 21st century, the term has become more broadly used, for any vehicle with a cargo tray at the rear (which would be called apickup truck in other countries).[8][9][10][11][12][13]
.jpg)
The concept of a two-door vehicle based on a passenger car chassis with a tray at the rear began in the United States in the 1920s with theroadster utility (also called "roadster pickup" or "light delivery") models.[14] These vehicles were soft-top convertibles, compared with the fixed steel roof used by most utes.[citation needed]
Ford Australia was the first company to produce an Australian Coupe ute, which was released in 1934.[15] This was the result of a 1932 letter from the unnamed wife of a farmer in Australia asking for "a vehicle to go to church in on a Sunday and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays".[15] In response, Ford designerLew Bandt designed a two-door body with a tray at the rear for the AmericanFord Model A chassis, and the model was named "coupe utility".[15] When the Australian version was displayed in the US, Henry Ford nicknamed it the "Kangaroo Chaser". A convertible version, known as theroadster utility was produced in limited numbers by Ford in the 1930s.[16][17]
In 1951,Holden released a "utility" model, which was based on the48–215 sedan. With both Ford and Holden now producing utes, this started the long-standing tradition of Australian-designed two-door vehicles with a tray at the back, based on a passenger-car sedan chassis.[18]
_R8_utility_01.jpg)
Australia has developed a culture around utes, particularly in rural areas with events known asute musters. It is common, particularly in rural areas, to customise utes in the "B&S style" withbullbars, spotlights, oversizedmudflaps, exhaust pipe flaps andUHF aerials.[19] Since 1998, the "Deni Ute Muster" has been held in the town ofDeniliquin, which has become a major attraction for the area.[20][21]
High performance utes were also sold in Australia, including theFPV F6 and theHSV Maloo.[22] The 2017 HSV GTSR Maloo is powered by a 6.2 L (378 cu in) supercharged V8 engine producing 435 kW (583 hp).[23][24]
The AustralianV8 Utes is a racing series based on lightly modified production Holden and Ford utes.[citation needed]
Ford, Ram and Chevy import their full-size and full-size heavy duty (dually) pickup trucks to Australia. They partner up with local vehicle remanufacturers to convert them to right-hand drive.[25] The customer may option their pickup truck to be de-rated so that it can be driven on a regular Australian car licence (max GVM of 4.5 tonnes or 5 short tons), instead of needing to get atruck licence.[26]
TheGreens party inVictoria has called for increased registration fees for American-sized pickup trucks in bid to deter people from buying them.[27] Concerns exist around the suitability of such vehicles to Australian roads and parking infrastructure, the safety of other parties in pedestrian and multi-vehicle crashes, and the lower emissions standards that apply to heavy vehicles. Many American pick-ups weigh more than 3.5t, which classes them as Medium Goods (NB) vehicles,[28] which are only required to comply withADR 80/04 (based on Euro VI) rather than ADR 79/05 (based onEuro 6).
_XLT_4WD_4-door_utility_(2018-10-22)_01.jpg)
The ute variant of theFord Falcon was produced from 1961 to 2016.[14] For the first 38 years of production, the design used a coupe ute style, but with the introduction of the 1999AU Falcon, the Falcon ute switched to a cargo bed that is separate from the cabin, while still retaining the Falcon sedan front-end and cabin.[29] The cargo bed was separated so that both "utility" and "cab chassis" body styles could be produced together.
Utes produced by Ford in Australia:
In addition, theFord Ranger (T6) was designed by Ford Australia, but built elsewhere. It was the second best selling new car in Australia in 2019[31] and 2020.[32]
From 1951 to 1968, the "utility" was sold as part of the48–215 to HR model ranges.[33] From 1968 to 1984 the "utility" was included in theHolden Belmont/Kingswood range. In 1984, Holden discontinued the ute variant and it was not part of theVB toVL Commodore ranges. The model returned in 1990 based on theVN Commodore chassis and remained part of the model range until Australian production ended in 2017. In 2000, the Holden Commodore was the first Australian ute to feature independent rear suspension,[34] the Ford Falcon ute retained alive axle rear suspension design until production ended in 2016.[35]
In 2008, theVE Commodore Ute was proposed to be exported to North America as thePontiac G8 ST. At least one prototype was built, but GM did not proceed with production due to the2008 financial crisis.[36][37]
Utes produced by Holden or its parent companyGeneral Motors in Australia:
Holden also sells rebadged utes produced elsewhere. They include:
.jpg)
Models:
Models:
Models:
_LS-M_4WD_4-door_cab_chassis_(2015-11-13).jpg)
Isuzu sells theIsuzu D-Max in Australia. Previously, this vehicle was sold rebadged as the Holden Rodeo.
Kia Tasman is an mid-size ute produced by South Korean manufacturer Kia from 2025.
Mazda has sold theMazda BT-50 in Australia since 2006.
_GL_cab_chassis_(2015-07-03).jpg)
Mitsubishi has sold theMitsubishi Triton in Australia since 1978. In 2019, it was the fifth-best selling new car in Australia.[31]
Between 1971 and 2008, Nissan sold theNissan Sunny Truck as a ute in Australia. Since 1985, Nissan has sold theNissan Navara pickup-style ute in Australia.
Between 2002 and 2010, theProton Jumbuck was sold in Australia as a ute.
_02.jpg)
Subaru produced the SubaruBrumby, a smallAWD model derived from the second generationLeone. It was sold between 1978 and 1993 and known as the BRAT, Shifter, MV, and Targa in countries other than Australia. It is relatively well known due to its long production life and use in popular culture. It was built in Japan, but never sold there.
From 1983 to 1988,Suzuki built a ute version of theirAlto kei car called theMighty Boy. It was sold in Japan, Australia, andCyprus.
_DX_4-door_utility_(2007-09-28).jpg)
Between 1960 and 1970,Toyota sold a ute variant of the second- and third-generationCorona with an integral bed. It was sold alongside its eventual replacement, theToyota Hilux, for a couple of years before it was discontinued. Toyota also sold a locally producedCKD ute based on the second- and third-generationCrown (also known as S40 and S50), assembled byAustralian Motor Industries.
Toyota currently sells a ute variant of theToyota Land Cruiser (J70). In 2011, theToyota Hilux was Australia's highest-selling ute.[40]
.jpg)
_TDI400_Highline_4-door_utility_(2011-08-17)_01.jpg)
Between 2017 and 2020, theMercedes-Benz X-Class was sold in Australia. It used the chassis of the Nissan Navara.
Volkswagen has sold theVolkswagen Amarok, a pickup-style ute, since 2010.
From 1979 to 2004, Volkswagen sold theCaddy, a pickup based upon theVolkswagen Golf platform.
.jpg)
