GM Defense completes first armoured vehicle for US Diplomatic Security Service

CONCORD (North Carolina, USA): GM Defense has completed production of the first vehicles in support of the Diplomatic Security Service’s Heavy-Duty armoured Sport Utility Vehicle (HD SUV) program.

DSS is the law enforcement and security arm of the US Department of State.

GM Defense’s HD SUV solution, the Suburban Shield, features a new design with a unique body-on-frame chassis and suspension to support increased vehicle weight and performance requirements.

The vehicle includes a high percentage of proven commercial-off-the-shelf parts from General Motors’ global supply chain, including the body, exterior, propulsion, interior, and brakes, for added reliability.

Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith had these to say after trying out the vehicle: “It had good acceleration, handled better in the turns and the heavy-duty anti-lock braking system was far superior to our aftermarket vehicles.

"You could really feel the stability and performance in the redesigned chassis. The new HD SUV represents a new cost-effective era in the design and building of these badly needed vehicles to help us carry out our mission to ensure the safe and secure conduct of foreign policy in some of our most challenging and dangerous posts.”

GM Defense said it uses advanced manufacturing tools and techniques to ensure quality and to realise cost efficiencies and flexibility, while helping the production team stay on schedule.

GM Defense won the contract to support DSS’ next generation HD SUV last year.

The program is intended to support DSS, in addition to more than a dozen other federal agencies.