GM Defense Awarded $36.4 Million Development Contract To Build Heavy-Duty Suburbans For U.S. Government Agencies

Rhea-AI Summary

GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, has secured a $36.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of State to develop the next-generation Large Support Utility Commercial Vehicles for the Diplomatic Security Service. Over two years, GM Defense will build 10 purpose-built Heavy-Duty Suburbans using advanced manufacturing techniques for enhanced efficiency. The initial vehicle delivery is slated for next spring, with expectations of a follow-up contract for 200 units annually over nine years, beginning in May 2023. This project reflects GM's commitment to innovation in government and defense.

Positive

• Secured a $36.4 million contract with the U.S. Department of State.
• Innovative manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Potential follow-up contract for 200 Heavy-Duty Suburbans annually for nine years.

Negative

• None.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of State has awarded GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, a contract to develop and validate next generation Large Support Utility Commercial Vehicles (SUV) for future fleet production in support of the Department's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). As part of the total development contract valued at $36.4 million, GM Defense will create a purpose-built Heavy-Duty (HD) Suburban, building 10 vehicles over the next two years.

Leveraging General Motors' commercial vehicle architecture designed for full size pickup trucks and large SUVs, GM Defense will use significant commercial-off-the-shelf parts, including the body, exterior, propulsion, interior and brakes for their government, purpose-built HD Suburban. The HD Suburban will feature a new and unique body-on-frame chassis and suspension, designed to specifically support increased government vehicle performance requirements with a higher payload capacity and greater ground vehicle weight.

GM Defense will use advanced manufacturing tools and techniques, including fixtureless assembly and flexible fabrication, to support increased efficiencies and quality in low-volume production of the new chassis and frame. The advanced manufacturing techniques will help to reduce overall program costs and offer greater flexibility and responsiveness to address future customer needs.

"We're excited to be developing a fully-integrated, purpose-built HD Suburban in partnership with the U.S. Department of State," said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. "The Chevrolet Suburban has been an iconic name in commercial transportation since 1935. Our development contract win speaks to our long-standing legacy of exceeding transportation capabilities and our new, HD Suburban will deliver government-specific advanced mobility solutions to meet the needs of DSS."

GM Defense will deliver the vehicles in two phases, the first delivery of which will be next spring. A production contract to build a fleet of 200 HD Suburbans per year for nine years is expected to succeed the completion of the development contract in or about May 2023.

As part of GM's Global Innovation organization, GM Defense will continue to leverage GM's expertise and proven capabilities to bring new, innovative solutions to the government and defense sector, creating growth opportunities for the company. For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About GM Defense LLC
GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power & propulsion, and mobility & autonomy solutions to global defense, security and government markets.  The exceptional reliability of GM Defense's technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gm-defense-awarded-36-4-million-development-contract-to-build-heavy-duty-suburbans-for-us-government-agencies-301377952.html

SOURCE GM Defense LLC

FAQ

What is the value of the GM Defense contract awarded by the U.S. Department of State?

The contract is valued at $36.4 million.

How many Heavy-Duty Suburbans will GM Defense develop under the new contract?

GM Defense will develop 10 Heavy-Duty Suburbans over the next two years.

When will the first delivery of the Heavy-Duty Suburbans take place?

The first delivery is expected next spring.

What is the duration of the potential follow-up contract for the Heavy-Duty Suburbans?

The follow-up contract is expected to last for nine years, with a production of 200 units per year.

What is the purpose of the Heavy-Duty Suburbans being developed by GM Defense?

They are being developed to support the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service.