Quote:
SHort for utility.
Don't you guys call them pick ups over there?
Or sometimes trucks?
Sure, they were often called a pickup or a truck, but this was also debated. These were based on car platforms, just like the 1200 ute. The early Falcon ute was called the Ranchero here. The GM El Camino was the the counterpart to GM Monaro ute, I reckon. I think the last one sold here was 1986.
A pickup here is a truck usually a 1/2-ton or 3/4-ton, like the Toyota Hilux or Ford F100. The 3/4-tons usually have eight-bolt wheels. A 'truck' here has a separate cab and cargo bed (like the Datsun 720). What we call a 'utility truck' is one without a cargo bed but instead has custom metal cabinets installed in the back, usually with a smaller cargo space.
Pickups (trucks, not utes) are so popular here they account for about half of all passenger vehicle sales. These are used for daily commuting, trips to the grocery store, etc. as well as serious commercial work like hauling supplies for house builders and the like.