Corvette Z06 likely to land in 2023

GMSV has taken the covers off its complete 2022 model portfolio at a function in Melbourne, where the company outlined delivery plans for its Silverado 2500 HD LTZ, C8 Corvette and upcoming Corvette Z06 ranges, while also hinting that other GM products are on the wish list for Down Under.

GMSV Australia and New Zealand director Joanne Stogiannis said that it was a relief to have the company’s line-up “all together, in one spot, for the very first time”, adding that customer enthusiasm for the brand has been “monumental”, despite the brand launching during the COVD-19 lockdown period.

“It’s taken many months to get to this moment, but it’s definitely been worth the wait,” said Ms Stogiannis.

“This is the first time we’ve been able to assemble the entire GMSV new model portfolio, consisting of C8 Corvette Coupe and Convertible, Silverado LT Trail Boss, LTZ Premium, and Heavy Duty LTZ Premium, in the same spot at the same time.”

Ms Stogiannis added that it had been a monumental year for the new GMSV brand and was one that had presented its own set of challenges and unique circumstances, but also with many highlights.

“We’ve introduced GMSV to thousands of people and have had an unbelievable reaction when we’ve been able to showcase models from the line-up,” she said.

“The fact more than 2100 new Silverados have been sold in Australia and New Zealand, and the first allocation of C8 Corvette Stingray has been sold out, is testament to the popularity and desirability of new models in the GMSV portfolio.”

As part of the pre-Christmas introduction, Ms Stogiannis was able to advise new details regarding the arrival of new right-hand-drive C8 Corvettes.

She said the first batch of vehicles will start making their way to dealerships around Australia and New Zealand in mid-January, with timing for the new 2023 model year Corvette Z06 to be finalised mid-next year.

“We will be in a position mid-next year to start updating plans with regard to the all-new 2023 Model Year Corvette Z06, also available for the first time ever as a factory manufactured right-hand-drive… but I’d say that your guess is a safe bet,” she responded to the suggestion that the first shipment of Corvette Z06s would likely arrive in Australian dealerships by early 2023.

When asked if other Chevrolet and GMC trucks or GM-sourced SUVs were on the GMSV radar, Ms Stogiannis explained that any decision would be demand-driven, with strong customer response to the line-up so far proving that anything was possible.

“There’s nothing planned in the short-term. We’ve got three trucks aimed at different people in the marketplace, and I think as long as we can maximise sales to those different groups within the segment, I’d be pretty pleased,” she said.

“I think we’ve done really well considering the launch of the brand under COVID conditions, and from here we will continue to focus on these products for at least this year. But if I’m completely honest, you never say never.” 

Ms Stogiannis said factory support of the GMSV brand in Australia and New Zealand had been instrumental in launching the latest Silverado and Corvette models on these shores, confirming that love for the General Motors product had not diminished with the loss of the Holden brand.

“We are constantly assessing all the opportunities in the GM stable … The factory plays a really strong part in supporting what we do, and they’ve been very happy with the way the brand has been received and sold here (in Australia and New Zealand). We knew from the outset there would be a fan base for these cars, and we’re really pleased with the way in which they have been received,” she continued.

“The factory has been very keen for us to succeed in what we do, and we’re doing really well at the moment … Although there are no concrete plans I can discuss with you today, I can say that we’re open to lots of stuff from within the GM stable, we assess new ideas all the time, and we will always continue to look at future models on a case by case basis.”

When asked if there was any “bad blood” between Holden fans and the GM product locally, Ms Stogiannis was circumspect. 

As a Holden employee of more than 20 years, Ms Stogiannis said she has a deep attachment to the brand that she is certain many Australians share, and has been pleased to see the continuing support for GM products under the GMSV banner.

“I’ve worked for Holden all my life, so for me, there’s a lot of love and appreciation for the brand that still continues. I mean, we still have lots of customers that we support in the aftermath (of the brand’s collapse). It’s a 1.6 million strong car parc and this brand still needs our support,” she enthused.

“We’ve been really pleased with the reception from Holden customers. Yes, there are going to be some people who have some animosity (towards GM), but there are also people who are really pleased that GM is here as GMSV. They’re pleased that we’re going to events like The Bend and Bathurst 1000, and their response to the release of the new Gen 3 supercar was phenomenal. I think most people have moved on.

“In saying that we’re also really respectful that Holden owners still need our support, and our other business divisions will continue to manage and maintain that brand. We saw that at Bathurst recently. Talking to customers, the reaction was just unbelievable. People see us in the marketplace now as a distinct brand, and they’re really keen to see our cars and trucks come to market.”