C8 Corvette Confirmed For New Zealand in 2021, GMSV Dealers Revealed

The new mid-engine Corvette is getting closer to reality in New Zealand.

General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) – which is taking over for the defunct Holden company in New Zealand and Australia – has announced some of its local dealer lineup for the Corvette C8 and the Silverado 1500 and 2500.

The network of New Zealand dealers will include Blackwells (Christchurch), Ebbett Hamilton, Giltrap Group (Auckland), Johnston Ebbett (Wellington), and Robertson (Palmerston North), along with another dealer in Manukau under the Manukau GMSV banner.

“We have launched with over fifty GM Specialty Vehicles dealers and look forward to adding more. Our GMSV dealers are now open for business in Australia and New Zealand. We can’t wait to see the first Silverados being driven out of our GMSV showrooms,” said Joanne Stogiannis, Director of GMSV.

Stogiannis said GMSV believes there is “significant opportunity” in the two countries “for our iconic North American vehicles” competing in niche segments.

“We know that customers are eager to see what other products we will add to our portfolio,” Stogiannis said. “We will continue to identify opportunities to add to vehicles where we see the chance to compete in niche segments in Australia and New Zealand.”

The C8 is slated to arrive in late 2021 as a right-hand drive model for the first time, while the two Silverado models will also include RHD conversions made at GMSV’s Clayton factory.

The 1500 will be first to arrive in the market, with a 6.2-liter V8 and a 10-speed automatic and a host of safety features, including Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, and Front Pedestrian Braking.

“I am really thrilled to be part of GMSV and look forward to introducing some new and exciting product into the local market,” added Matthew Taylor, General Manager of GM Specialty Vehicles New Zealand. “Kiwis are renowned adventurers and love getting off the beaten track into the great outdoors, and the new Silverado 1500 will be the perfect vehicle to help enhance this experience.”

Source:
autocar.co.nz

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