Holden taps Chevy for Silverado
For the first time in its history, Holden will have a full-sized pick-up truck in its arsenal, with the company announcing it will import the Chevrolet Silverado from the United States in partnership with Holden Special Vehicles.
Five crew-cab models will be imported in a variety of model trims. All will have the same powertrain, a Duramax 6.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine that makes 332kw and a whopping 1234Nm.
A heavy duty Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission has been specified for Australian vehicles over and above the standard six-speed automatic supplied with the car, and all models will have a locking rear differential as standard.
The Silverado will join the Chevrolet Camaro at the new HSV plant in Melbourne, where it will be converted to right-hand drive on site.
Variants include the entry-level 2500HD WT, the high-grade 2500HD LTZ, the 2500HD LTZ Midnight limited edition, the 2500 HD LTZ Custom Sport limited edition and the larger 3500HD LTZ.
In US trim, the base LT comes with 17-inch rims, single-zone climate control and a four-speaker stereo, while the LTZ adds items like electric sliding rear cab glass, digital radio and the option of front collision warning, lane departure warning and control.
The Midnight adds 18-inch black rims, sprayed-on bedliner and black accents, while the Custom Sport adds 20-inch rims, body coloured bumpers and front and rear park assist.
The 3500HD is available in the US in either single rear wheel or dual-rear wheel form, while the LTZ specs are largely shared with the 2500HD.
No specification or pricing has been yet announced for Australia. hill descent
The 2500HD variants will commence production in Melbourne in April next year, and the 3500HD will follow later in the second quarter of the year. Towing capacities vary between 3500kg and 6100kg, while payload capacity varies from 1140kg through to 1848kg.
HSV managing director Tim Jackson said the Silverado range opened up new business opportunities for the brand.
“Whether it be farming or mining sectors, those who need to pull a large caravan, or those who simply want the load towing and load carrying capability, Silverado is the pinnacle of the GM range,” he said.
Holden chairman and managing director Mark Bernhard said the company had talked about bringing customers vehicles from around the GM world for a number of years.
“We’re proud to announce the next step in that strategy,” he said.
Mr Jackson said HSV’S engineering involvement would start with the conversion of vehicles from left to right-hand drive, with no other modifications added.
“These are iconic Chevys into the core, and we’ll let the bowtie speak for itself,” he said.
While both Holden and HSV were circumspect when it came to details about new dealership arrangements, Mr Bernhard said the existing HSV network would be progressively updated to carry the Chevrolet bowtie logo and branding as part of a new dealership of the future program.
The Silverado will ironically compete against the Dodge Ram, which is also converted to right-hand drive in HSV’S facility.
The Silverado is also imported in limited numbers by specialist conversion outfits, such as Performax in Queensland.
Mr Jackson said while companies were not prevented by law from importing and converting them, economics dictate it would become less attractive to do so with a factory presence in the market.
While trucks the size of the Silverado and the Ram are standard fare in the United States, they so far have had limited penetration into the Australian market, which is dominated by smaller dual-cab pick-ups.