Blenheim – The Spiderman Pest Control, a household name in Marlborough for tackling your creepy crawlies is spinning a new web of sustainability by replacing its Mitsubishi Triton with a sleek eco-friendly BYD Shark 6 plug-in Hybrid Ute. The truck is already zipping through Blenheim Streets on cleaner motoring and slashed service costs, cementing The Spiderman’s commitment to a greener future.
Kevin from The Spiderman said, “the Triton has been our trusty steed, but diesel’s heavy on the wallet and the environment. With fuel prices climbing and communities demanding greener solutions, the BYD Shark 6 is our ticket to cleaner, cheaper operations.”
The BYD Shark 6 launched in New Zealand earlier this year. A plug-in hybrid that pairs a 1.5ltr turbo petrol engine with electric motors, delivering a combined 320kW and 650Nm/h of torque while offering an electric only range. It sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.7seconds, has a towing capacity of 2500kg and a payload of 790kg. Perfect for The Spiderman’s commercial and domestic needs, with the truck set up ergonomically for ease of work and access to equipment, while capable of pulling a loaded trailer. Kevin said, “it’s a game changer having 240V power points available throughout the vehicle. You never know what you missed until you have it!”
“We are cutting emissions by up to 80% on Blenheim runs. The hybrid setup means were electric for most urban jobs and the lower maintenance should save us up to 30% over 5 years.”
The switch was made seamless by three Blenheim Local legends: Andrew from McKendry Motors, Darrell at Mag & Turbo and the team at BB Signs.
Andrew said, “When the BYD Shark 6 was released Kevin and Michelle were one of the first customers to knock on our door. Straight away they could see the benefits of having an Electric based PHEV. Not only does it help them lower their running costs and carbon footprint it also provides them with the ability to power up their workplace without having to transport a heavy generator with them.
“It was a pleasure to help them turn their research into reality and to see the excitement that their BYD brings them.”
Andrew, a veteran at McKendry Motors on Seymour Street, Blenheim was engaged from the get go. From the first initial enquiry to it rolling out the door fitted out and sign written. All seamlessly managed by Andrew and his team. “Andrew took the sting out the process for us, ensuring we got a truck delivered loaded with our chosen extras while managing the transition in to the new Shark 6, swapping out the Mitsubishi Triton with seamless ease. Nothing was a problem.”
Darrell at Mag and Turbo, on Grove Road completed the trucks new look, fitting rugged all-terrain tyres and stylish alloy mags to really make the truck pop. Darrell understood our vision for the truck and f itted it out with outstanding alloys and rubber. It really finished off the bold look we were wanting for the new truck. The service and attention to detail at Mag & Turbo was exceptional, topping it off with a tyre warranty and free tyre checks that ensures we will get the best out of the new feet for years to come.
Darrell said, “our team love getting involved with projects and helping the client to achieve bold impacts, especially when company vehicles often double up as a mobile billboard. People commenting on vehicles that we have been involved with bringing to life gives the team a sense of satisfaction and reward. Sharing our expansive knowledge on tyre product and picking the right tyre for application is also very much a passion of ours.”
The truck boasts fresh eye-catching sign writing that really pops off the truck, complimenting the bold rugged look of the Shark 6 and The Spiderman Logo. BB Signs originally designed the look for the Mitsubishi and with a few small critiques, did another incredible job bringing the graphics to life on the new BYD ute. The team at BB Signs has again outdone themselves, delivering an outstanding product.
The move reflects a growing trend among New Zealand’s service businesses, where hybrids are gaining traction as a practical step toward sustainability. “For pest control where we are crisscrossing town and country the Shark 6’s hybrid system is ideal. It cuts the emissions without the range worries of a full EV. We’re not just squashing bugs – we’re squashing our carbon footprint. It’s The Spiderman team, Merlin the Maltese Poodle, and Michelle and Kevin Gunn, with McKendry Mazda owner Andrew McKendry, and Mag & Turbo owner Darrell Bate in front of The Spiderman’s new green machine BYD Shark 6 Plug-in Hybrid. about leaving Marlborough cleaner for the next generation.”
For anyone inspired to go hybrid, reach out to BYD today.
Original article published in The Blenheim Sun, 29 October, 2025.
