Life after Holden: HSV says the future is trucks as new Chevrolet Silverado 2500 readies for launch

HSV has outlined its short-term future, telling CarsGuide it would continue to focus on its current line-up of American trucks - and the launch of new ones - while GM finalises the shutdown of Holden in Australia.

The Walkinshaw Group, owners of the HSV brand, remains widely tipped to launch a new GMSV brand, expected to focus on Chevrolet's broader vehicle portfolio - including the possible launch the C8 Corvette.

But with GM Holden still effectively at war with its former dealership network in Australia, negotiations for a new venture - whatever that ends up looking like - appear to have been temporarily put on hold. 

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As recently as last week, GM Holden commanded its dealers to enter a "dispute resolution" process from June 8. The problem is the compensation package offered from GM to its soon-to-close dealership network, with the auto giant suggesting the offer is "fair and reasonable",  and its dealers suggesting the opposite. 

HSV's existing dealers are independent, and so, as CarsGuide understands it, aren't involved in negotiations. Even if an attached Holden dealer closures, the HSV dealership could continue operation.

But the question, then, is selling what exactly? According to HSV, the short- to mid-term focus will be American jumbo utes, with the brand hoping to build its future on the booming popularity of imported (and locally converted) pick-ups. 

"Walkinshaw Group has a strong history of bringing exciting vehicles to market, and in the immediate future, we will continue to do this," a spokesperson told CarsGuide.

"We've just launched the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which we're delighted with, and we will continue to bring exciting vehicles to market in the near future."

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With the US-spec Colorado thought to be ruled out for Australia - owing to the costs involved with importing/converting the vehicles - it means the next cab off the HSV rank is expected to be the new Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 

HSV already has form in the 2500 space, but the vehicle we sell in Australia has been superseded in the USA. That means the new truck will soon be joining the fleet here.

The new 2500 pairs the existing the 6.6-litre V8 diesel engine with a new Alison 10-speed automatic transmission, which Chev says boosts the towing capacity to a staggering 16,102kg - though only on "properly equipped" models.