General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) Celebrates First Birthday

What an eventful debut year it’s been since General Motors Specialty Vehicles, also known as GMSV, launched in Australia and New Zealand.

GMSV replaced the defunct Holden on Nov. 10, 2020 and is already developing an enthusiastic following in those two countries, with some 1,869 new Silverado pickup trucks sold there and the first batch of right-hand drive C8 Corvettes sold out in record time.

“Interest and excitement for the C8 Corvette is absolutely phenomenal. I’ve never witnessed the same level of passion and desire for a new model in almost 25 years of involvement in the motor industry,” Joanne Stogiannis, director of GMSV Australia and New Zealand, told < AHREF="https://www.driven.co.nz/news/gmsv-celebrates-first-birthday-following-holden-s-closure/">Driven.com.

“I know there were a lot of people who were disappointed to miss out on the first batch of cars, but I’m pleased to reconfirm there will be additional allocations of the C8 for performance enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand.”

That news comes on top of previous reports that the 2023 Corvette Z06 will also be available as a right-hand drive model there.

Stogiannis says “it’s certainly been 12 months quite unlike any other,” noting that GMSV experienced COVID-19 related challenges on both sides of the Tasman, along with “some disruptions due to semi-conductor issues, and also a global demand on shipping which has caused some sleepless nights.”

Despite those challenges, she says reflecting on GMSV’s first 12 months, “I’m incredibly proud of our small team and what we’ve been able to achieve.”

With the help of business partners and dealer network, GMSV has “developed the foundations of what has every opportunity to become a very successful operation, one which brings the very best GM product to customers in Australia and New Zealand,” Stogiannis says.

The new brand launched last November with the debut of a new logo and introduction of a new model portfolio that included three versions of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup – the LTZ Premium, LT Trail Boss, and Heavy Duty LTZ Premium.

“I’m thrilled with what we’ve achieved in a short amount of time and look forward to welcoming more fans to the GMSV family as we embark on year two,” Stogiannis says. “With the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions, we’re finally able to have some greater visibility around our product and intend to get it out and about for people to see.”

Source:
driven.co.nz

Related:
First Right Hand Drive C8 Corvette is Registered for the Road in New Zealand
GMSV Files Trademark for Corvette Z06 in Australia
HSV/Walkinshaw Adopts Hands-Off Policy For Creating an ‘Aussie Version’ of the C8 Corvette