Manually operated warehouses, too, can be managed with the help of Kastologic. For this, Kasto has developed the app Kastomobile, an application, suitable for all mobile end-devices with android operating systems, which allows the user to transfer to the WMS, via smartphone or tablet, all operations such as storage and removal, commissioning, dispatch and stock information. This is particularly easy with a hand-held device available from Kasto and equipped not only with an easily read display and robust housing, but also with an integrated barcode scanner. With this device, the worker simply collects the information necessary for the order position in question and transfers it to the management system via a wireless connection. Transparency and traceability are therefore just as high as in automatic software-controlled warehouses. A so-called “pick-by-crane” system can similarly be realised straightforwardly with Kastomobile: with the app, the user controls the connected overhead crane, which carries out the desired storage and retrieval operations autonomously.

You may well scoff that the Nissan Patrol Ti ’only’ offers a big petrol-powered V8 but the gargantuan Y62 Patrol packs a set of numbers that deserves serious comparison with the LC200 as a luxury tow vehicle. It’s wider and longer overall with a heavier 2700kg kerb weight and 225mm longer wheelbase (3075mm), all controlled by Nissan’s brilliant ‘Hydraulic Body Motion Control’ (HBMC) active suspension system. This advanced platform provides rock-solid stability, huge interior space and a superior 785kg payload. It matches the LC200′s 3500kg maximum tow rating but the Patrol’s higher 3500kg GVM results in a benchmark 7000kg GCM. Making all of these big numbers possible is a state-of-the-art DOHC 32-valve 5.6 litre V8 with 298kW, and more importantly, 560Nm of torque, most of which is on tap from as low as 1600rpm.  Doesn’t mind a drink, but in the real world so do diesels at this weight level.

IT MAY SEEM like little has changed with the 2019 Isuzu D-Max in recent years, but in 2017 a Euro 5 emissions upgrade to the 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel bumped max torque from 380 to 430Nm, and a six-speed auto replaced the five-speeder. All this was done subsequent to our multi-ute load and tow comparison tests in late 2016.

The package: Midsize, front- or all-wheel-drive, five-door, five-passenger, V-6 powered, crossover utility vehicle.

17” alloy wheels have a heavy duty, rigid design which doesn’t compromise the vehicle’s towing and load carrying capabilities. Entirely fit for purpose, they have been engineered to handle off-roading and, in conjunction with XTR’s bespoke Pedders suspension, exceed the expectations of a tough and reliable D-Max.

GWM claims fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 12.7 litres per 100km using pricier 95RON, though on my 300km drive the Steed returned 12.4L/100km, including some time laden as I’ll discuss in a bit.

Mazda says the seven-passenger CX-9 is aimed at young couples and modern families, but also is meant for older empty-nesters who pursue active lifestyles.

But the new owner of the buildings that once housed the Metso Corp. manufacturing facility in York says they will soon be restored to their former glory.

Until recently, Toyota wanted a ridiculous $10,000 premium for diesel over petrol power in the 200 Series but that’s now come down to $5000 on the 200 Series GXL, VX and Sahara.

In short, there is not a whole lot of difference between the two, so it comes down to which one you fit in best. Taller drivers of the D-Max, for example, can find the reach to the steering wheel to be a bit too long, and its rear seats aren’t as comfy as the Ranger’s.

It’s hard to look past the rough brick exterior — even peeking through the broken windows, all anybody can see are miles of metal cranes and concrete walls. 

Oh, and the sensitivity of most of those automatic lights is adjustable, though maybe not with all cars. Usually has to be moderately dark for the interior lights to dim in both my vehicles though I will acknowledge that when I have the sun-blocker up in my windshield, the instrument panel stays fairly dark for about a minute after removal. (I’ve seen some cars where they’ll brighten when you pass under a street or highway light if they’re too sensitive.)