Peak ute hit five years ago. Erratic state border closures were coming to an end, locked-down families were cashed up and ready to tour, fuel was cheap and vehicle emissions standards were on the long and distant horizon.
Now, diesel prices have soared 55 per cent, mortgage repayments are rising, as is unemployment, and big utes with bullbars, side steps, winches and the works look seriously expensive compared to a flood of Chinese cars.
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