Fluoros enjoy the HiLux

If further proof were needed that the “fluoro collar worker” is the king (or queen) of the two-speed economy, news that carmaker Toyota’s HiLux “workhorse” ute is Australia’s best-selling car may be the clincher. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries sales data shows that 3565 new-car buyers opted for a HiLux in April – 560 more than its nearest rival, the not so muscle-bound Mazda3. The Toyota Corolla came third (2573). It is not the first time the HiLux has topped the table but it comes at a time when blue-collar workers are emerging as the new elite of the country’s workforce. The inaugural Suncorp Bank Wages Report released in May shows that mining workers are earning more than workers in other industries by an average of almost $500 a week.

According to the report, mining workers had the highest average weekly pay (as at November 2011) of $2172.90. Blue collar workers held six of the top 10 wage-earning occupations. And it’s a safe guess that many of them will be driving a new Toyota HiLux.

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