GM Defense Completes First Production Vehicles for the Diplomatic Security Service’s Heavy-Duty SUV Program
CONCORD, N.C., Oct. 28, 2024 — In a significant milestone for national security and diplomatic operations, GM Defense has announced the completion of the first vehicles in support of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Heavy-Duty armored Sport Utility Vehicle (HD SUV) program. This initiative underscores the critical role that advanced vehicle technology plays in ensuring the safety of U.S. diplomats and their teams in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
A Collaborative Milestone
The announcement was made at GM Defense’s Manufacturing and Customer Innovation Center in Concord, North Carolina, where key stakeholders, including Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith and GM Defense President Steve duMont, gathered to celebrate this achievement. The event highlighted the collaboration between GM Defense and the DSS, emphasizing the importance of reliable and secure transportation for U.S. diplomats.
Introducing the Suburban Shield
At the heart of this program is the Suburban Shield, GM Defense’s innovative HD SUV solution. This vehicle is designed with a unique body-on-frame chassis and suspension system that accommodates increased weight and performance requirements essential for armored vehicles. The Suburban Shield incorporates a high percentage of commercial-off-the-shelf parts from General Motors’ extensive global supply chain, including components for the body, exterior, propulsion, interior, and braking systems. This approach not only enhances reliability but also ensures that the vehicles are built to withstand the rigors of diplomatic missions.
Steve duMont, President of GM Defense, expressed pride in the Suburban Shield, stating, "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."
Performance and Safety Features
Assistant Secretary Gentry Smith had the opportunity to test the prototype of the Suburban Shield and shared his impressions. He noted the vehicle’s impressive acceleration, superior handling, and advanced braking system, which he described as "far superior to our aftermarket vehicles." Smith emphasized the stability and performance of the redesigned chassis, highlighting that the new HD SUV represents a cost-effective era in the design and construction of vehicles critical for ensuring the safe conduct of U.S. foreign policy.
Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
GM Defense employs cutting-edge manufacturing tools and techniques to maintain the highest quality standards while achieving cost efficiencies and flexibility in production. This commitment to excellence not only helps the production team stay on schedule but also ensures that the vehicles meet the stringent requirements set forth by the DSS and other federal agencies.
The contract to support the DSS’s next-generation HD SUV program was awarded to GM Defense last year, reflecting the company’s capability to meet the needs of not only the DSS but also more than a dozen other federal agencies.
Conclusion
The completion of the first production vehicles for the DSS’s Heavy-Duty SUV program marks a pivotal moment in the partnership between GM Defense and the U.S. Department of State. As the Suburban Shield prepares to serve those who represent American interests abroad, it stands as a testament to the importance of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to safety in the realm of national security.
For more information about GM Defense and its initiatives, visit www.gmdefensellc.com and follow them on LinkedIn.
As the world continues to evolve, the need for secure and reliable transportation for diplomats remains paramount, and GM Defense is poised to meet that challenge head-on with its advanced vehicle solutions.