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Carsales Staff18 Oct 2007
NEWS

GM trucks in Australia

A Queensland importer is now offering the Chev Silverado and GMC Sierra siblings to Aussie buyers

Performax International has announced the importation and conversion of the 2008 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra ranges.

Complying with Australian Design Rules, the Silverado 2500HD 4WD crew cab -- the company's 'volume-seller' -- is priced at $123,000, with a four-year/120,000km warranty.

It features a 6.6-litre turbodiesel V8 driving through an Allison six-speed automatic transmission and dual range transfer.

The Silverado will tow 4.5 tonnes braked, thanks to peak power of 272kW at 3200rpm and the monstrous 895Nm torque peak from as low as 1600rpm.

Along with its cousin, the GMC Sierra, The Silverado is coded 'GMT-900' and fills the gap left by the demise of Ford's F250 and F350 models in Australia.

Dodge may bring out a competitive range of light commercial vehicles in the future (more here), but in the meantime, Performax International will cater to customers needing the heavy hauling ability of traditional American 'trucks'.

The importer, based on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, was established about twenty years ago and employs forty staff to convert up to 200 American vehicles each year.

In the past, Performax has operated as 'Corvette Queensland', importing and converting Chevy Corvettes and, more recently, the Ford Mustang.

According to the company's General Manager, Nick Vandenberg, "We had orders for almost 20 (of the GM pick-ups) even before the ADR compliance process was completed and now we expect many more from both recreational and business buyers.

"There is no other new vehicle like it on the Australian market, especially at a price within the range of many less capable 4WD wagons.

"The new exterior and interior styling looks great and the cabin provides real comfort, with a spacious rear bench for three large adults, leather upholstery and the comfort and safety items usually found on passenger cars."

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Written byCarsales Staff
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