The fourth dimension
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The latest pick-ups will be at Commercial Motor Live, giving visitors the chance to sample their quality and flexibility
Words: George Barrow There has been an explosion in the number of new pick-up trucks being brought to market over the past 12 months, but sales in the UK are starting to slow down. Still the preserve of farmers and builders – where pick-up trucks are used as nature intended – it is in the leet market that numbers are gradually dropping.
The sector still represents a sizeable market, and with the introduction of the Amarok last year, Volkwagen clearly believes it is likely to remain so. But pick-ups are once again being seen as a tough working tool, rather than a so-called lifestyle 4x4.
Leather seats, satellite navigation and fancy chrome accessories might have initially been introduced at the higher end of the market, but the trickle-down into lesser speciication models means a different type of buyer is now reaping the beneit. For many, these smarter-looking pick-ups now serve a dual purpose as a work and family vehicle. Several of the latest versions will be at Commercial Motor Live, giving operators the chance to experience the quality and lexibility of this new breed of pick-up.
They will also be getting muddy and undergoing close scrutiny from the jury members of the International Pick-Up of the Year Award. An expert panel of top commercial vehicle journalists from across the world will be at the Millbrook testing ground in the days before Commercial Motor Live to put a variety of new models from Europe, Japan and China to the test over a gruelling off-road course, challenging road routes and the famous Millbrook hill route.
Judges will be scrutinising the vehicles, based on their overall contribution to the pick-up sector, as well as their varying abilities over different terrains. Each judge has a maximum of 12 votes to award, with any one vehicle permitted a maximum of seven votes from an individual jury member.
The new Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Great Wall Steed will be among the vehicles under the international microscope. Each model offers its own take on the pick-up market. The reined Ranger, honed by Ford with its decades of experience in the passenger car and CV market; the rugged new D-Max, promising durability, reliability and no-nonsense off-roading; and the Great Wall Steed, offering head-turning value for money and lifestyle levels of equipment, are all in with a chance of claiming the top honour.
Each of the contenders for the 2012 International Pick-Up Award will be at Commercial Motor Live, giving you the chance to be the jury. Come along and experience the latest and best pick-ups the world has to offer and give your verdict on which one should be awarded the title of best international pick-up. n l Look out for next week’s CM for our comprehensive group test of the latest 4x4s