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GM Defense Completes First Heavy-Duty SUV For U.S. Department Of State’s Diplomatic Security Service
GM Defense has successfully completed the production of the initial batch of vehicles for the Diplomatic Security Service's (DSS) Heavy-Duty Armored Sport Utility Vehicle (HD SUV) initiative. DSS serves as the security and law enforcement division of the U.S. Department of State. This achievement was celebrated at GM Defense’s Manufacturing and Customer Innovation Center in Concord, North Carolina, with Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith and other significant stakeholders in attendance.
The Suburban Shield, GM Defense's HD SUV solution, boasts a novel design featuring a unique body-on-frame chassis and suspension system. This design supports increased vehicle weight and performance demands. The vehicle incorporates a high percentage of proven commercial-off-the-shelf components from General Motors' global supply chain, enhancing reliability through parts like the body, exterior, propulsion, interior, and brakes.
GM Defense employs advanced manufacturing tools and techniques to ensure top-notch quality while achieving cost efficiencies and flexibility. These methods help keep the production team on schedule. The contract to support DSS's next-generation HD SUV was awarded to GM Defense last year. The program aims to assist DSS along with over a dozen other federal agencies.
Steve duMont, president of GM Defense, stated: "Our Suburban Shield significantly enhances the quality, performance, and safety that is essential to the Diplomatic Security Service and provides our nation’s senior diplomats and their supporting teams a vehicle that enables their important mission for diplomacy and national security."
Assistant Secretary Gentry Smith shared his experience with the prototype: "I had the opportunity to try out the prototype," he said. "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 marks a cost-effective era in designing these crucial vehicles needed for ensuring safe foreign policy operations in challenging environments. The vehicle's enhanced features are designed to meet demanding conditions faced by diplomats worldwide.
This development underscores GM Defense's commitment to providing reliable transportation solutions that support national security efforts effectively. By leveraging commercial parts from its global supply chain, GM ensures both reliability and performance in their vehicles.
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