GMSV launches

A website and Facebook page trumpeting the establishment of GMSV have been launched, but they appear to have no connection with the new special vehicles business being set up in Australia by General Motors and Walkinshaw Automotive Group.

Instead, GMSV Official Licenced Merchandise appears to be an independent effort attempting to capitalise on the GMSV name.

Through its website and Facebook page it is promoting a variety of merchandise including GMSV hats, hoodies and even car care products.

It even has a section devoted to vehicles and shows an unidentified car under a cover accompanied by the headline 'COMING SOON'.

Walkinshaw Group management made it clear the GMSV site has no affiliation with official GM Speciality Vehicles business that is currently being negotiated.

“That website and trademark has no affiliation with HSV or the Walkinshaw Group in any way,” it said in a statement issued through marketing chief Chris Polites.

GM and WAG are in negotiation to form the new business because of the decision to kill off Holden by the end of 2020.

GMSV will import predominantly Chevrolet-badged vehicles including the Silverado 1500 pick-up that is already converted to right-hand drive locally by WAG and sold under the existing HSV brand.

The first mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette is expected to follow, in full factory RHD guise direct from the US.

Attempts to clarify if GM Holden had any knowledge of the website or involvement in it have as yet been unsuccessful. But that does seem incredibly unlikely.

carsales attempted to make contact with the GMSV website, but a 1300 number came up as disconnected and there has been no reply to an email sent to the address listed on the site.

According to the IP Australia website, the GMSV trademark was applied for by a company called Laser Cleaning Machines Australia Pty Ltd on May 12 2020.

The headquarters for Laser Cleaning Machines is listed at a private home in Broadbeach Waters in Queensland.