Articles by Mike Ryan

When Chevrolet debuted their all-new 'Task Force' range of trucks and pickups for 1955, GMC followed suit with their own line, dubbed 'Blue Chip'.

Yes, there were a few minor hiccups early on, but things stepped up another notch with the introduction of the Discovery 3.

The Toyota LandCruiser is one such example. It is the 4x4 that has endured, seemingly forever, and was the 4x4 of choice for the majority of four-wheel drivers over the last decade.

Throw in a tow rope, axe and shovel (and spare diff in the case of Series II Landy owners!), some tools, perhaps a sleeping bag, gas stove and basic tucker requirements and we were ready to roll.

This area runs from Mt Gambier in the south, northward to the Coorong National Park.

Sometimes circumstances dictate it, and on one occasion I actually towed a trailer containing two 44-gallon drums of fuel, plus a number of jerry cans for a convoy of international visitors across the Simpson Desert.

Ford has admitted that there are a number of production ready vehicles on our roads undergoing testing. Unlike the exaggerated grille of the illustration, the new front is more subdued, with a strong horizontal grille and what looks like an intercooler for the diesel across the front of the grille.

Based on the Pajero GLX, the RX model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, extra chrome, side steps, front skid plates and a rear spoiler.

The supply contract is Isuzu Ute Australia's first with any police department and comprises five LS-M 4x4s and two LS 4x2s, all automatic.

1999 was a big year for Nissan. In April, Nissan expanded the GU Patrol 4WD lineup with the launch of Cab Chassis models, available with a choice of turbocharged or naturally aspirated 4.2-litre diesel models and coil or leaf sprung suspensions.

With hindsight, it was undeniably a key model that went on to become a powerhouse global vehicle.

All vehicles across the Sorento range from the entry level Si to the range topping Platinum will receive the latest Bluetooth technology providing hands-free mobile phone connectivity and media streaming, all operated through steering wheel mounted controls.