GMSV director of Australia and NZ, Joanne Stogiannis, said despite the effects of COVID and erratic shipping schedules, the business has the foundations to become a very successful operation and “one which brings the very best GM product to customers in Australia and New Zealand.”

GMSV started on November 10, 2020, with the official launch of the new brand, the debut of a new logo, and introduction of a new model portfolio of the Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Premium, LT Trail Boss, and Silverado Heavy Duty LTZ Premium. 

It also includes the first-ever factory manufactured right-hand-drive Corvette.

In the first 12 months, GMSV – which is based in Port Melbourne – has sold 1869 Silverado’s in Australia and NZ and said demand was continuing to grow.

Ms Stogiannis said orders for the right-hand drive C8 Corvette opened in June. She said all GMSV dealers in Australia and New Zealand sold out of their initial allocation in record time.

Joanne Stogiannis

The first of the cars hit Australian roads on September 7 this year and in NZ on October 7.

“Interest and excitement for the C8 Corvette is absolutely phenomenal. I have never witnessed the same level of passion and desire for a new model in almost 25 years of involvement in the motor industry,” she said.

“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.”

GMSV has also confirmed that the MY23 Corvette Z06 will be coming to the Australia and NZ markets as a right-hand drive model.

In addition, customers will also be able to order right-hand drive versions of the Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Premium Heavy Duty that started production in the US this month.

“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,” said Ms Stogiannis.

“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.”

By Neil Dowling