Oshawa-made Chevy Silverado helps launch GM Defense Canada in support of Canadian military

General Motors is showcasing a Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) for the Canadian military based on the Oshawa-made Chevrolet Silverado, a key plank in the launch of GM Defense Canada to support efforts to upgrade the logistical abilities of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“The creation of a Canadian entity for defence underscores our commitment to Canada and our conviction that our engineering and manufacturing capacity right here in Canada can serve and help to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces,” said GM Canada President Marissa West. “We believe that GM Defense has a unique ability to offer best-in-class equipment, technology, and sustainment to support those who serve, and we are proud to do so.”

GM Defense International was established in 2022 and has now added GM Defense Canada to the portfolio, a move that will strengthen the company’s ability to “develop solutions in Canada,” such as the Light Utility Vehicle and Light Forces Enhancement programs, said GM Defense Canada President Steve duMont. “We will continue to leverage General Motors’ advanced commercial technology, engineering resources and investments in Canada that help our global defense and government customers transition to a more electric, autonomous and connected future.”

duMont said the establishment of the Canadian division was a “natural next step” in expanding GM’s global presence in the field. “We have a seamless partnership with GM Canada that will enable us to deliver highly customized solutions to meet the unique requirements of Canadian defense and government customers. We understand that the Canadian military procurement process requires significant investments in the country, and we’re confident GM’s current and future investments will help us meet our obligations in support of our Canadian customers.”

Working as one team alongside GM Canada, Bradley Watters, GM Defense’s new vice president of International Business Development and Pete Johnson, GM Defense’s new vice president of Integrated Vehicles Business Development, will lead military customer engagements on behalf of GM Defense in Canada and more broadly across the globe.

GM Defense participated at the Canadian Association of the Defence and Security Industries exhibit in Ottawa last June where it showcased commercial-based solutions to the Canadian Armed Forces. GM Defense demonstrated its LUV prototype based on the Chevrolet Silverado and two variants of the proven and already fielded Infantry Squad Vehicle, based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.

The vehicles can be serviced and maintained through GM Canada’s network of 448 dealers and GM’s global supply chain.

GM Defense, based in Detroit, delivers integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and mobility and autonomy solutions to global defense, security and government markets. As new international growth efforts emerge, GM Defense may incorporate additional entities in other countries.

Focus areas for the business currently remain in North America, across Europe, Indo Pacific and throughout the Middle East.

For more information visit www.gmdefensellc.com