In the wake of the departure of Holden, the launch of Australasia’s General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) division was likely a moment of quiet grimace for plenty of ‘team red’ fans. But, twelve months on, the brand reports that all is well.
Today marks the brand’s first birthday after a deceptively busy 12 months. While they might not have a huge amount to show for it in terms of products in showrooms, GMSV reports that it’s endured a fairly complicated year. Particularly in regards to the launch of the new Corvette.
“GMSV officially launched on November 10 last year and it’s certainly been 12-months quite unlike any other,” says Director of GMSV Australia and New Zealand, Joanne Stogiannis.
“We’ve experienced Covid-19 related challenges on both sides of the Tasman, some disruptions due to semi-conductor issues and also a global demand on shipping which has caused some sleepless nights, but when I pause to reflect on the past year I’m incredibly proud of our small team and what we’ve been able to achieve.
“Together with our business partners and dealer network, we have 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.
“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. 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.”
Among GMSV’s highlights so far is the brand’s continued support of local right-hand drive conversions for the Chevrolet Silverado, and its ability to sell out the first allocation of Corvettes destined for Australia and New Zealand well in advance.
Stogiannis notes that the level of interest in the new Corvette is unprecedented, confirming that there will indeed be more Corvettes sent down under following the delivery of the initial group.
“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,” 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.”
The release comes hot on the heels of the reveal of the Corvette Z06 (which GMSV has already announced for our market), as well as the arrival of the first factory-produced right-hand drive Corvette C8 in New Zealand last month.
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