AUSTRALIANS are warming to the arrival of full-size American pick-up vans in ever-growing numbers, with month-to-month gross sales charts exhibiting that Chevrolet and Ram are reaching regular progress of Silverado and 1500 fashions.
Quickly, the heavy-hauling duo will likely be joined by factory-backed arrivals from Ford (F-150) and Toyota (Tundra), once more exhibiting the marketplace for bigger capability utes is one which will nicely have been deserved of a little bit extra consideration in occasions passed by.
However for privateer importers throughout the nation, the curiosity in massive pick-up vans is nothing new. Victorian-based Harrison F-Vans is only one such conversion specialist that has lengthy recognised the market’s want for a extra succesful various to the HiLux and Ranger set – in addition to fulfilling demand for fashions and variants past these formally imported.
Talking to GoAuto this week, Harrison F-Vans gross sales supervisor Will Wyhoon stated the enterprise is progressing in an upward trajectory with newly launched competitors serving to assist promote the F-Collection vary, quite than detracting from it.
“I’ve at all times stated ‘competitors is wholesome’, and we’ve definitely had some wholesome competitors from Chevrolet and Ram. However then once more, we’ve at all times had competitors. There are numerous conversion firms across the nation which have at all times given us a run for our cash,” he stated.
“What we haven’t had up to now is the factory-backed firms which have massive nationwide advertising and marketing campaigns. However in a manner, these too have labored in our favour. Their campaigns have helped to introduce much more Australians to the vary of American pick-up vans obtainable, and the choices obtainable from completely different manufacturers.
“There isn’t a doubt all manufacturers feed off opponents’ advertising and marketing efforts, and we are not any exception.”
Mr Wyhoon stated the rising consciousness of full-size pick-ups within the Australian market has additionally served to assist consumers recognise the broader vary of fashions obtainable past these supplied from factory-backed gamers.
Alongside full-size fashions such because the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra – and never forgetting the Silverado HD and Ram 2500 and 3500 ranges – there are different choices which are constructed to tow and haul appreciable masses, which Harrison F-Vans consumers have been fast to dwelling in on.
“For over 50 years the Harrison household and the Harrison Motoring Group have been concerned with the F-Collection vans in Australia. We have now constructed a model that’s extremely recognised and admired each right here and abroad as delivering a top quality product with distinctive aftersales assist,” defined Mr Wyhoon.
“A lot of our purchasers return time and time once more as they’ve loved the possession expertise of our product, and our recommendation. Our potential to supply many of the vary of F-Collection vans, together with the complete vary of native and abroad equipment, means we are able to cater to a broad vary of wants.”
However like many within the enterprise of late, Harrison F-Vans has confronted challenges. Restrictions centring on availability through the COVID-19 pandemic did alter the panorama for the importer considerably, with consumers taking what was obtainable quite than constructing to order.
It’s a scenario Mr Wyhoon says is now enhancing with new and even higher vary of automobiles turning into obtainable, with but extra in retailer over the approaching 12 to 18 months – even with the arrival of Ford’s factory-backed F-150 on the similar time.
“Like all segments of the motor trade, the quick provide of automobiles globally has modified the enjoying discipline for us. We’ve seen consumers taking in-stock choices greater than the car they need per se, simply to get behind the wheel of an F-Collection truck sooner,” he stated.
“It’s introduced as one thing of a ‘he who has will promote’ type of scenario. Patrons have been very versatile throughout this time, and realistically they know the flexibility of the product, and the way it will go well with their necessities. Our consumers are very nicely versed in what the vary can supply.
“With this in thoughts, we consider we are able to supply an awesome number of fashions and specs that may proceed to go well with Australian consumers – and that may proceed to construct our model.
“The good factor now could be that the scenario is starting to return to regular, and we’re once more in a position to extra readily supply prospects the flexibility to customize a truck to their particular wants and desire.
“We’re additionally wanting ahead to the discharge of the brand new Tremendous Obligation vary this 12 months, which we hope to have in inventory earlier than the tip of 2023. There are some terrific automobiles coming down the pipeline, and there’s a substantial amount of curiosity from consumers already. We’re very a lot wanting ahead to the 12 months forward.”
