First launched Stateside in 1998, with more than 14 million units sold, the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks available in the USA, garnering widespread appeal amongst Aussies and Kiwis, thanks to its comfort, style, off-road performance and load carrying capabilities.

Road Tested by Engineers

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.”

Powertrain diagnostics using local fuel on varying surfaces

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.

“All up, more than 10 vehicles were involved in the Engineering Development Fleet and the cumulative mileage exceeded 150,000km.”

Local Appeal

Having already proven itself as a top seller in the ‘States, the growing popularity of the remanufactured full-size trucks in Australia and New Zealand speak for themselves.

“Proof of the success of Chevrolet Silverado is evident in the sales figures,” said Jess Bala, Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand.

“Since launch in late 2020 to the end of Q2 this year, more than 10,600 new Silverado 1500 and Silverado 2500 models have found homes in Australia and New Zealand.

“Part of the undoubted appeal of a Silverado is that it can do pretty much anything.  It is used for towing through to loading up the tray and everything else that needs amazing power and torque.

“They’re an incredibly versatile and highly desirable product and know that they will continue to find new fans who need a full-size truck to cater for work and leisure needs.”

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