Whether it’s the recovery of Fonterra’s dairy payout, the abundant rain all over the country or just the mild early winter weather, the crowds flocked to the 49th New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek in June in record numbers.
Total crowd numbers over the four days (Wed-Sat June 14-17) were 133,588, a new record, with Friday the biggest day at 40,104 ahead Saturday (33,816), Thursday (33,528) and Wednesday (26,140).
There was plenty to interest 4WD fans, with all the key players showing off what was new, different, or exciting on their stands.
Utes and SUVs remain big business as far as vehicles are concerned with brand new models from LDV (the all-new T60 turbo-diesel double cab), SsangYong (new Rexton SUV) and Skoda (the new Kodiaq SUV), and trick locally-produced head-turning concept models from Mitsubishi (the Huntaway) and Toyota (the Gladiator).
Mercedes-Benz Commercials was also there in force, with a special virtual reality opportunity to check out its own upcoming ute offering.
Isuzu again had one of the biggest and most active stands, with keen show-goers offered the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a D-Max ute or MU-X SUV and put it through its paces (with a qualified instructor riding shotgun) round a specially built ‘obstacle’ course.
Hundreds of show-goers availed themselves of the unique opportunity, including Deputy PM Paula Bennett!
Toyota, Ford, Holden, Jeep, Volkswagen, SsangYong and Land Rover also had sizable stands showing off a full range of 4WD vehicles with the accent in several cases on towing.
The aftermarket sector was well represented as well, with key players like ARB, Airplex and Fully Equipped showing off the latest products and accessories.
Even exhibitors with no obvious automotive connection jumped on the ute band wagon this year, with Swandri and Hansen Products two of the best.
To read every story in the August 2017 issue of NZ4WD go to Ziniocom (July 21) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.
