OMG: GM Specialty Vehicles launches in Britain

Importing cars from the United States is nothing new. But what’s new today is the launch from GM Specialty Vehicles in Great Britainwhere customers here can order cars directly from GM and enjoy a car purchasing process that is virtually the same as any other. There will be an extendable three-year manufacturer’s warranty, financing will be offered, there will be after-sales support, and so on. Initially it will be SUVs and pick-ups on offer, all through Clive Sutton in London (a dealer who has imported a lot of American metal over the decades), but plans are already in the works for a ‘retail network rollout’. Hopefully one or two other cars too…

But for now, anyone who likes an old school Yank tank will be very happy with the news. There are GMC Yukon Denalis for the ultimate soccer mom vibes, plus a range of 6.2-liter V8 Sierras to make your local Hiluxes and Rangers look a little thin. GMSV is also happy to sell you a selection of Chevy SUVs, ideal for playing security (or mid-2000s rapper) – take your pick from Suburban and Tahoe.

Probably the most interesting is the Cadillac confirmation, as it means that in addition to the standard models, the Escalade V is officially on sale to British customers. Left-hand drive, yes, and with combined consumption of 14mpg (!), but it’s a supercharged V8 seven-seater – so it’s hard not to be a little intrigued. And maybe, just maybe, it means one or two of the V sedans can get here in time.

However, curious customers will certainly have to dig deep to make their American dream come true. For example, the Escalade V costs £200,000. And yes, that’s what many other V8 forced induction SUVs are bought for, with names known around the world. Even the non-V cars cost £150,000. Slightly more palatable is the range of Chevy Silverado pick-ups, starting at £66,000 plus VAT for the LT Trail Boss; the Suburban costs £100,000, the Tahoe only a few thousand less. And the GMC trucks start from £75,000 excluding VAT, the Denali another six-figure SUV. That’s all quite a lot of money (don’t even think about checking dollar prices), but more has been spent over the years on weird and wonderful cars not sold in Britain. A combination of novelty value, nostalgia and curiosity should ensure that a few find their way across the pond.

Jean-Pierre Diernaz, MD of GM Europe, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Clive Sutton to bring our iconic North American vehicles to UK customers. We’ve selected incredible vehicles from our global brands – Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet – through a dedicated GM factory in North West London and the nationwide network of retailers that will follow.” Good news then for Americana fans – and don’t forget the ads are packed with V8 muscle that has already reached the other side of the Atlantic. Not all SUVs and certainly not £100,000 either. See this Camaro, Hellcat and GT500 as proof…