South Africans love their bakkies. Whether it’s a Hilux with the unmistakable anatomy of a blue bull dangling from the tow bar in the parking outside Loftus, or a Ranger Raptor making a delightful noise on dirt roads in the Western Cape, bakkies are as South African as biltong and the Springboks.

Except, they aren’t. The term “bakkie” might not have travelled beyond our borders, but the concept isn’t unique to our country. In the US, they have trucks — and they are bigger, badder and even higher off the ground than the most 4x4 accessorised versions trundling around Gauteng. Everything is taken to the extreme in ’Murica, including their spending power...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.