General Motors has launched a dedicated UK sales operation, giving British buyers official access to American full-size pick-up trucks for the first time through an authorised channel.
The new operation, called GM Specialty Vehicles, covers three GM brands and is being run in partnership with London dealer Clive Sutton, which has a long history of importing American pick-ups, SUVs and sports cars.
For commercial vehicle operators, the relevant models in today’s announcement are the Chevrolet Silverado and two variants of the GMC Sierra 1500.
Orders are open now via GMSV.uk, with deliveries expected to begin this spring. GM is currently building a national dealer network, with Clive Sutton handling London sales.
What’s available
The pick-up line-up comprises three models:
- GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
- GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
- Chevrolet Silverado
All three are what the Americans call ‘full-size’ pick-ups – significantly larger than mid-size trucks like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux that currently dominate the UK market. All vehicles come with full UK homologation, meaning they meet UK legal and technical requirements, although they are only available in left-hand drive.
All models will be offered with a three-year, unlimited-mileage new car warranty. Two further years of cover are available as an optional extra. GM will also be offering official finance and aftersales support.
What operators need to know
This is an initial announcement, and full specifications – including payload figures, GVW data and pricing – are still to follow as the retailer network develops.
For operators considering these vehicles for commercial use, payload and GVW are the key figures to establish. Payload determines the maximum weight a vehicle can legally carry, while GVW – the gross vehicle weight, meaning the maximum legal weight of the vehicle including its load – determines whether a vehicle qualifies as a light commercial vehicle at or below 3,500kg. Both figures affect licensing, insurance and potentially tax treatment, and operators should confirm them with GMSV before making any decision.
Large American pick-ups have previously been available in the UK only through independent importers, typically in left-hand drive and without manufacturer warranty support. The GMSV operation removes those complications for buyers who have been waiting for an authorised route to market.
More detail on pricing, payload and specifications is expected as the retailer network develops. Operators can register interest now via GMSV.uk
