GMSV reaffirms its big truck focus

GENERAL Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) says its full-size trucks are its key focus for the Australian market in the short term as it aims to build on its strong 2025 sales year while forecasting further growth in the segment.

The full-size pick-up segment represents a step above ute offerings such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux when it comes to size, towing capacity, and price.

Four-and-a-half tonne towing is commonplace in the full-size truck space, while every offering in the segment wears a price tag north of the $100,000 mark.

Models in this segment are also currently exempt from strict New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) requirements, at least for now, due to their high GVM ratings.

As such, high-displacement engines are still common among full-size pick-ups in Australia.

In GMSV’s case, its Silverado 1500 models make use of a 6.2-litre petrol V8, while the 2500 HD model uses the 6.6-litre Duramax turbocharged diesel V8.

Segment sales saw a slump in 2025, down 17.4 per cent compared to the previous year. However, figures appear to be recovering in 2026, up 11.7 per cent as of the end of August, with 6440 trucks delivered from all marques YTD.

GoAuto recently reported on the increasing popularity of performance-focused full-size trucks, with both Ram Trucks Australia and local Ford truck specialist Harrison F-Trucks recognising customer desires for big, V8-powered utes.

As for the full-size truck space in general, a GM spokesperson revealed to GoAuto that GMSV believes there is room for further growth in the segment in Australia and New Zealand, particularly for its Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, the off-road performance variant of the bowtie brand’s light-duty truck.

“We believe there is further opportunity for growth in the Australian and New Zealand full-size pick-up segment, especially as the Silverado ZR2 delivers a unique combination of strong towing capability, long-distance comfort, and genuine off-road performance,” he said.

“While we do not publish model (variant) level volume targets or forward sales forecasts, we remain focused on growing the business sustainably and supporting our dealers and customers.”

Alongside its Silverado models, GMSV also sells the Chevrolet Corvette and GMC Yukon Denali in Australia.

However, as far as its short-term goals are concerned, GMSV is focused on the Silverado following a strong 2025 sales year.

“In the short term, our focus is on continuing to build the momentum of our full-size trucks, following a successful 2025 where the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD and 2500 HD achieved a combined 44.1 per cent share of the Australian full-size truck segment, according to VFACTS,” he added.

Collectively in 2025, the Silverado and Silverado HD account for 3863 of the 8763 sales in the full-size ute space.

Meanwhile, the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 made up a total of 3271 sales. Toyota sold 837 Tundra’s locally – marking a dramatic 78.5 per cent increase over the year prior – while the Ford F-150 accounted for the fewest sales – despite F-Series trucks being the best-selling vehicle in its home market – with 792 local deliveries.

As far as Chevrolet and Ram are concerned, it’s a similar story when it comes to 2026 YTD sales figures as of the end of August…

The Silverado pair leads the way on a combined 2269 sales – representing a 35.2 per cent market share – while the Ram trio has accumulated 2077 total deliveries (a 32.2 per cent market share).

Ford sold 1348 examples of the F-150 while Toyota sold 746 examples of the Tundra according to the latest available data.

However, while heavy emphasis has been placed on its trucks, General Motors is still focused on customer care and dealer engagement across both GMSV and the Cadillac brand, while also exploring further opportunities for its local portfolio.

“We continue to focus on customer experience, dealer engagement, service and aftersales support across GMSV (Chevrolet, Corvette, GMC) and Cadillac,” the spokesperson said.

“Longer term, GM ANZ will continue evaluating opportunities across GM’s portfolio where there is a compelling fit for Australian and New Zealand customers.”