The latest Department of Main Roads and Transport data reveals somewhat surprising figures about the popularity of vehicle models in Gladstone, a typical industrial city.
Gladsone’s most popular vehicle isn’t a Holden or a Ford, rather the Toyota Hilux.
Local dealership representative Tony Atword says the title of Gladstone’s most popular car comes as no surprise to him.
“Gladstone is an industrial town and when choosing a vehicle, individuals are seeking something that suits their needs,” he told the local Gladstone Observer.
There are 2927 Toyota Hilux’s in Gladstone, only just exceeding the next most popular model, the Toyota Landcruiser, at 2790 registrations.
The trend suggests those who live in Gladstone are more inclined to purchase a four wheel drive to double as a family and work car.
The total registration figures for Toyota’s are recorded at 10,046. This figure almost exceeds the combined registrations for both Holden and Ford, at a total of 11,791.
And with the trend for masculine and tough four wheel drives comes the unsurprising figure that 13,528 of Gladstone’s vehicles are powered by diesel.
Toyota dealer Cameron Duncan-Kent says the Hilux was a fierce four wheel drive. “It is extremely practical, reliable and has a long legacy of a very good reputation,” he says.
Holden beats Ford in registrations game
In a snap poll conducted by the Observer, locals revealed their dream car options, and the age-old argument between Holden and Ford has been won, with Gladstone residents allowing their registrations to do the talking.
Holden has cemented itself as the preferred make of local car, surpassing Ford figures by 1553 cars registered so far in 2014.
“Gladstone doesn’t have a specialised high-performance Ford workshop, whereas they do have a Holden high-performance workshop,” says Luke Kirkland.
An avid Holden fan with a 2009 Holden HSV GTS, Kirkland is on the other side of the fence to colleague and Ford supporter Cory Middleton.
Middleton says the minority group was, in this instance, the more knowledgeable. “Why would you want a car that everyone else has?” he notes.
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