National Fieldays has become New Zealand's default new-vehicle show, and despite some notable brand absences this year (Hyundai, Isuzu and Suzuki among them), there's still a real rush for the Kiwi industry to show off its latest and greatest. There are more genuinely new models at this year's event than we can remember in a long time.
This year's Fieldays kicked off on Wednesday June 11 and will be open at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, until Saturday the 14th.
We've done the rounds already and scoped out what we reckon are the 10 NZ-auto-related things (plus one wild card at the end) you have to see; not that anybody's stopping you getting out to take in the whole thing, assuming you've got your best walking gumboots on.
BYD Shark 6 Trek-R Tray System
BYD's plug-in hybrid electric ute has made a big impact in NZ and it's out in force at Fieldays - not just on the brand's own stand, but as a support and display vehicle for many other companies who have embraced the new model. Count 'em, it's fun.
BYD NZ also has a Shark 6 surprise for Fieldays: a "tray system" (basically a cab-chassis conversion with a deck) developed with M2 Overland, called the Trek-R. For $15,990 you get the conversion that includes relocation of the PHEV charge point, 240v outlets and reversing senors.
If orange is not your thing, there's also a white example on the separate M2 Overland stand nearby.
Ford Ranger Super Duty & Stormtrak PHEV
Two very different Rangers, but we'll count them as one for our list... because that's more Ranger for your money.
Ford NZ has a tricked-up example of the forthcoming Ranger Super Duty on display, which is a good chance to see the tough new truck as it won't actually be on sale until 2026.
It's a thorough re-engineering of the standard Ranger and will be able to tow 4.5 tonnes, with a gross combined mass of 8t.
The Ranger PHEV is also having its first big public showing, in flagship Stormtrak form. But unlike the Super Duty, the launch of this new model is imminent, with the first examples available in July.
While we're here, we're also quite taken with Ford's smaller Transit, the Courier DCiV (double cab in van) and its people-carrying cousin, the Tourneo - striking in green with a white roof.
Both little boxes are powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine... which just makes us want them more.
GMC Yukon
The GM display features the expected Silverados and even Corvette gets a look in, but the star of the stand is actually an SUV: the supersized GMC Yukon Denali.
It's a super-luxury 8-seater with huge presence, but of more interest to the Fieldays crowd might be the tow rating: GM reckons 3628kg puts the Yukon "in a class of its own".
GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV
GWM's Canon Alpha PHEV boasts big electric range thanks to a big battery (115km, 37.1kWh) and the brand is making bold claims about its 4x4 ability.
The electric Alpha is centre-stage for the brand at Fieldays, but you can also see the new Haval H6 hybrid and Tank 300 diesel.
Jac T9 Hunter
Yes, PHEV trucks are really the thing at Fieldays this year. Jac, now a key sponsor of the event, is showing a prototype plug-in version of its T9 ute, which brings a claim of 100km EV range and up to 1000Nm of torque in hybrid mode.
It's not on sale yet, but the company says the T9 Hunter is here to gauge reaction from the public and potential buyers. So call in and tell them what you think.
KGM Torres hybrid
KGM (formerly known as SsangYong) launched its quirky looking Torres SUV last year in conventional petrol and pure-electric versions; in fact, Fieldays 2024 was its first big public showing.
The new hybrid model, which only made its global debut in March, is on display at this year's event. It combines a 1.5-litre engine with a full-hybrid (but not plug-in) system. KGM NZ says it's "looking to expand its powertrain options" and the new model is here to gauge interest.
LDV Terron
LDV NZ has a much-needed injection of new-gen utility with the Terron - half a size up from traditional 1-tonne trucks like its T60 (or indeed a Ford Ranger/Toyota Hilux).
Available in a single Elite specification, the 163kW/520Nm turbo-diesel model is $59,990 and can tow up to 3.5t.
Mahindra XUV 3X0
Mahindra is right at home in a rural environment, but its new-for-Fieldays model isn't a ute or 4x4: it's the XUV 3XO, a pint-sized city SUV.
Local pricing is not yet confirmed for the new model, but the brand promises it'll start at less than $30k, despite a generous level of standard equipment. Read our first drive here.
Ram with added hydrogen
And now for something completely different, Kiwi Ram distributor Ateco Automotive has worked with Invercargill-based Change Fuel Technologies to develop a dual-fuel hydrogen conversion for the 3500 pickup.
The 6.7-litre Cummins turbo-diesel engine has been modified to inject hydrogen in a dynamic mix depending on load, potentially reducing diesel consumption by 30-40%.
Subaru Forester
Subaru reckons its new Forester is tougher than the average hybrid SUV, with a new 90kW electric motor and the company's signature "always-on" full-time AWD.
The new model is front-and-centre in fetching Sport specification (that's the one with the bronze bits), but it'll also be available in standard and Touring models from July.
Wildest of wild cards: Tesla Cybertruck
Tesla might be a polarising brand right now for political reasons, but a Cybertruck on display at Fieldays is still drawing huge crowds. You can even scan a QR code to book in for a proper introduction to the sassy stainless-steel machine with one of the local Tesla team.
No, Cybertruck is not on sale in NZ. It's not even made in right-hand drive... yet. But there's talk. This example is doing the rounds in NZ to generate more interest in the brand; seems to be working.