Factory-backed effort to upgrade ute’s GVM will avail regionally from August.

WHETHER factory engineered payload upgrade for Hilux will implement on Toyota Hilux here has yet to be explained.

Toyota New Zealand has yet to reply to questions about the potential here for the adjustment to the model’s GVM, shorthand for gross vehicle mass - the maximum total weight a vehicle is legally allowed to be when fully loaded, as specified by the manufacturer.

However, the signs could be bright as the work has been undertaken by Toyota in Australia, which works co-operatively with the NZ distributor and also was behind the generation nine Hilux’s development.

The neighbouring brand has just announced intent to launch its first locally developed, factory-engineered GVM upgrade for the one-ton ute in August, targeting fleet, trade and towing customers.

The work is an effort to match or better a thriving aftermarket payload upgrade sector across the Tasman.

Priced from $A4000 ($NZ4887) as a factory-fitted option, the upgrade lifts payload capacity by between 372kg and 435kg depending on variant, for a maximum payload of approximately 1525kg.

The move places Toyota in direct competition with established aftermarket players.

Toyota Australia vice-president sales, marketing and franchise operations John Pappas related to media in Australia that the factory-backed approach delivers a clear advantage.

“Introducing a GVM upgrade option for the new Hilux will allow customers to maximise the vehicle’s already-excellent load-carrying capabilities,” he said.

“Being Toyota’s very own factory-fitted option, it ensures the Hilux retains its Toyota five-year warranty and is compatible with all safety systems, giving it a real advantage over its aftermarket competition.”

Toyota’s upgrade aimed at commercial and heavy-duty users rather than lifestyle buyers.

Eligible variants there include a double cab-chassis and double-cab wellside (pick-up in Australia) in the Workmate trim specific to Australia, but also the SR SR double cab-chassis, SR double-cab wellside and SR5 double-cab wellside that come here.

All are powered by Toyota’s turbocharged 2.8-litre four-cylinder producing 150kW/500Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and dual-range selectable four-wheel drive.

SR and SR5 double-cab models also retain Toyota’s 48-volt V-Active mild-hybrid system.

Toyota says the upgrade includes more than a compliance sticker as the package delivers increased front axle capacity (by 100kg), increased rear axle capacity (by 280kg), up to 10mm extra ride height, longer rear monotube shock absorbers, full compatibility with Toyota Safety Sense systems and retention of Toyota’s five-year warranty.

The last point is likely the biggest commercial differentiator, with reports saying warranty questions and integration concerns in respect to third party integrations remain sticking points for some fleet buyers.

In Australia there has been growing demand for heavier-duty utes capable of handling service bodies, towing loads, camping accessories and commercial equipment without breaching legal payload limits.