Ute is a strange word. Australian slang for Utility Vehicle, it`s become the default word for a pickup if you`re down under.

Whilst the rest of the world calls them `pickups`, `trucks`, or even a `pickup truck`, Aussies have stuck with `Ute`. But how did it all start? And why are they so popular in Aus?

The Ute Is Born

The evolution of the `ute` can be traced back to the well known motoring figure, Henry Ford.

Way back in 1928, when the Ford Model A was being built, Ford Motors decided to give it a closed cab and open flatbed. Produced for six years, it was the world`s first pickup truck, and it paved the way for the design of the Ute.

Source: Wikipedia

Inspiration to build upon Model A`s design to create the Ute came in 1932, when an Australian farmer`s wife wrote to Ford. She asked for “a vehicle to go to church in on a Sunday and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays”.

In response, designer Lewis Bandt came up with the Ford Coupe Utility -- the origin of today`s utility vehicles.

Source: Wikipedia

Having all the luxuries of a modern car up front but being able to carry pigs in the back during the week, was a perfect solution for farmers. The model went on to sell nearly 2,000 cars in just five years of production.

The `ute` was proving to be a huge success.

Evolution of the Ute

Seeing the sales figures of the Ford Coupe Utility, Holden realised they needed to jump on the bandwagon. Or was it the Ute wagon?

It took them a few years to catch up though -- 19 in fact. 1951 heralded the Holden 50-2106 Coupe Utility.

As with the Ford Coupe Utility, it looked like an average saloon car of the era, but with the back removed.

Source: Wikimedia

USA manufacturer Chevrolet, got in on the game in 1959 with the El Camino. Chrysler were next in 1965. Later, in the modern era a flurry of well-known marques have fielded their own utes. Some more successfully than others.

The Modern Era

Utes are still as popular as ever. Ford now sell the Ford Falcon in ute form. This model is a no- frills cab only assembly, that has a rather industrial looking flatbed at the rear.

Source: Chadstoneford.com.au

With a chassis exposed to the world it`s definitely a workhorse. However, there are some more luxurious models to be had in the Ford Falcon range too.

One of them is the XR6 Ford Falcon. This actually has a proper, covered load bed at the rear. It looks less chopped about than it`s lesser powered brothers.

Source: HSV.com.au

But when it comes to big power in utes, Holden takes the crown. The General Motors brand sells the HSV Maloo Gen-F2 R8. This R8 is about as far from an Audi R8 as you can get.

In terms of power, it`s not far off though. Packing a 6.2 litre supercharged LSA engine, it produces a huge 550 BHP. Also a massive 691 Nm of torque. Cars like McLarens have that sort of power!

Source: BMWBlog.com

Even BMW have got in on the act -- albeit only in concept form. Back in 2011, BMW announced the M3 `Ute`. Based on the E93 convertible, it had an aluminium clad flatbed and a removable Targa style roof.

Sadly, this ute was created for April Fools` Day. The car was built as a one off and is used as a workshop mule, transporting goods around the company in Germany.

Finally, the future of the ute looks bright. Hyundai have just confirmed its first ever. Sadly, it`s aimed at the US market, and won`t be heading to Aus.

Whilst the rest of the world scratches their head at their appeal, utes are here to stay.