GM Defense Expands its Reach in Canada with Trucks Based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

GM's Defense unit continues to grow sales with military vehicles based on the popular Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup. See how the latest deal rakes in tens of millions of dollars.

GM is continuing to grow its lucrative defense business. The latest contract is between the GM Defense Canada subsidiary and the Canadian Armed Forces for modern Light Tactical Vehicles. The LTVs are designed to carry troops and are built on the same underpinnings as the popular Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 mid-size pickup. The Canadian Armed Forces has awarded GM Defense Canada a C$35.8-million-dollar contract. That works out to just under $26 million in US dollars.  

What the Canadian Contract Buys

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is buying 90 light tactical vehicles (LTVs), with an option to buy up to an additional 18 LTVs. GM Defense Canada will also deliver the training, technical manuals and additional vehicle content sourced from Canadian companies. The light tactical vehicles are designed to carry nine passengers.

Why is GM Defense Using the Chevrolet Colorado

I have written extensively in the past about why the architecture of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 makes it perfect for these situations. The light tactical vehicle is based on the award-winning Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 mid-size truck and uses 90 percent commercial-off-the-shelf parts. The LTV also uses Chevrolet Performance race car parts making it lighter and faster while still being built for heavy duty endurance. The vehicle weighs 5,000 pounds which is light enough to be sling loaded from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and compact enough to fit inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for air transportability. The vehicle’s high percentage of commercial parts means that it is easier to find parts for and easier to fix in remote locations. Replacement parts don’t have to be specially fabricated or shipped in. General Motors has dealers and parts suppliers all over the globe. Because it is built to be an off-road vehicle, it can handle difficult terrain and extreme temperatures.

Reliable and easy to operate, the light tactical vehicles also have the latest active and passive safety features, meeting CAF requirements for performance and safety.

These Trucks Will be Supporting NATO

According to GM Defense Canada, these particular trucks are being sent to “support the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia. The vehicles will enable Soldiers to move with increased speed, range and safety across complex terrain.”

“We are providing this critical capability to the Canadian Armed Forces within a timeline that meets their urgent operational requirement,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “We see this contract award as the beginning of a long strategic partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces to provide enhanced tactical mobility for Soldiers today, and into the future. As we further expand into Canada and with other allied nations around the world, we will continue to leverage the vast resources of General Motors to ensure our global defense and government customers have the best capability to accomplish their mission.”

The deal calls for GM Defense Canada to provide both nine-passenger LTVs and a new type of the LTV that the U.S. Army is using.

“General Motors’ support of the Canadian Armed Forces with this contract is a prime example of the meaningful contributions GM makes in Canada,” said Kristian Aquilina, president and managing director of GM Canada. “Whether it’s the supply of light tactical vehicles through GM Defense Canada, or the contributions of our Canadian Technical Centre in supporting the development of those vehicles, we are pleased GM can also make an impact in the defense space.”

GM Defense Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.