Chevrolet Silverado – First launched Stateside in 1998, the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks available in the USA.
Sales of Chevrolet Silverado in the US over the past 25-years have eclipsed 14-million units, establishing itself as the vehicle of choice as a towing and offroad machine, offering the perfect mix of comfort and style capable of hauling significant loads with the ability to venture off the beaten track.
It’s a vehicle which has long held widespread appeal for Aussies and Kiwis, especially those who desire a full-size workhorse with capability greater than the traditional ute and for adventurers eager to head out the back of beyond.
When it comes to launching a new model Down Under, GMSV’s remanufacturing partner, Premoso Engineering in Melbourne, completes an extensive and rigorous testing schedule.
“In the case of the recently released MY24 Heavy Duty, we completed 7,800km from Melbourne to Cairns return as part of one validation trip,” said Trevor Barallon, Chief Engineer at Premoso Australia.
“Leg One included 1,200km of dirt roads and corrugated driving and total distance was 4,200km. Our longest day saw the team drive the entirety of New South Wales, from the southern to the northern border.
“As you’d expect, there are some amazing sights along the way.
Including:
- driving along the dingo fence,
- the remote Hungerford Royal Mail outpost on the NSW/ QLD border
- and Tibooburra at sunset.”
Chevrolet Silverado test conditions
- More than 10 vehicles traveled over 150,000 km
- The test run took 14 days and specific validation activities conducted on trip and monitored by the team of six Premoso and two GMSV engineers included:
- Powertrain diagnostic performance in a variety of Australian conditions
- Verification of right-hand drive pilot vehicle assembly as compared to left-hand drive vehicle
- Noise and vibration assessment
- Ride and handling, stability while towing on varied road surfaces
- Overall vehicle performance, adBlue consumption on Australian market diesel fuel
The trip also tested local calibrations for a wide variety of features which have unique configurations or software for right-hand drive. Including:
- HVAC performance,
- in-region features for driver/infotainment,
- lane keep assist as well as
- adaptive cruise control and
- adaptive cruise control with trailer.
“New model certification testing includes 15,500km of Accelerated Rough Track Durability. And an additional In-Country Validation Test Trip. Including maximum towing conditions of approximately 15,000km involving two vehicles,” said Mr Barallon.
Sales results
Re-manufactured full-size trucks are popular in Australia and New Zealand. Having already proven their success as top sellers in the United States.
Jess Bala, Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand, said that the success of the Chevrolet Silverado is evident in the sales figures.
“Part of the undoubted appeal of a Silverado is that it can do pretty much anything. Silverado is used for towing, loading the tray, and everything else that requires amazing power and torque.
“They’re an incredibly versatile and highly desirable product. I know that they will continue to find new fans who need a full-size truck to cater for work and leisure needs.”
