CONFIRMED: GMSV to replace HSV in Australia – GM’s new brand to focus on importing American muscle

The news is finally official. HSV is dead. Long live GMSV.

In news today jointly confirmed by GM and Walkinshaw Performance, the HSV brand will be replaced by GMSV (General Motors Specialty Vehicles) from the fourth quarter of this year, with a number of existing Holden and HSV dealerships to rebrand for a new future. The Chevrolet Silverado and Corvette Stingray will be the halo models for the new brand, though we’d expect more models to flow in time.

“I am proud to be announcing GM Specialty Vehicles which represents an important new investment by GM in Australia,” says Interim Chairman and Managing Director of GM Holden, Kristian Aquilina.  “This new venture directly adds sales, marketing and aftersales roles to GM’s 200-strong presence in Australia, and indirectly supports over 150 skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs at our partner in Victoria.

“The initial product line-up will feature the latest Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ, with other derivatives, including the Silverado 2500 and spectacular mid-engine Corvette anticipated to follow in 2021.”

The move signals the end of the HSV brand in Australia, with the customer-facing aspects of the 33-year-old business expected to rebrand, while the Walkinshaw Group will continue to work on re-engineering left-hand-drive vehicles for our market.

The GMSV brand – to be headed up by 20-year GM veteran Joanne Stogiannis – will now be responsible for the Chevrolet Silverado, with the talented Walkinshaw Group to continue re-manufacturing the vehicles from left- to right-hand drive in Victoria. The move will essentially see Walkinshaw become a contracted partner of GMSV.

“We’re delighted to continue our 33-year association with GM through their new venture GMSV,” said Ryan Walkinshaw, Director Walkinshaw Automotive Group. “It also means we’re able to keep significant automotive employment in Victoria, directly securing some 150 manufacturing jobs, and look to grow as we work with GM in this dynamic space.

“We have always enjoyed bringing exciting product to market, and we’re excited about the ability to continue that through our partnership with GMSV.”

The news is not unexpected, with Holden’s closure essentially setting a tickling clock for the brand known as Holden Special Vehicles.

Today’s announcement follows GM’s move to trademark the HSV-replacing brand name and a new logo with the Australian Government.