GMSV and Mad Mike deliver Heavy Duty thrills with Chevrolet Silverado in NZ-first shoot - new campaign launches today
2024-05-21
When you’re someone as recognisable as Mad Mike, you need something equally as attention-grabbing to help get you and your toys from A to B as well as for off-road adventures.
That’s why GMSV has joined forces with the world-renowned motorsport icon and provided him with a new Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty truck, plus a new ZR2 to be personalised in Mad Mike’s MADLAB at Hampton Downs Race track.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Mad Mike into the GMSV team and announce Chevrolet Silverado as his official tow partner,” said Jess Bala, Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand.
“The new Heavy Duty is the ultimate work and play utility vehicle offering uncompromised capability, comfort, performance and towing ability. There’s no one better than Mike to put the big new truck through some big real life testing.
“Mike will play a pivotal role introducing a fun element to our brand and demonstrate how a Chevrolet Silverado can help not only tow your trucks and haul motocross bikes, but also get you and your family into the back of beyond then safely home again.”
Mike, who first raced motocross aged six and has a string of drifting titles on his CV as well as global recognition with performance vehicle exploits, driving Stadium Trucks and Pikes Peak International Hill Climbs, is already a household name in many parts of the world. The new campaign will go one step further and introduce a new ‘Madster’ to Kiwi audiences - his 16-year old son, Lincoln.
“Linc and I had an epic time getting to grips with the new truck out and about near Rotorua, to say I was genuinely impressed is a massive understatement. My moto is ‘find the limit, then work back from there,’ however we couldn’t even find the limit as I could hardly feel our massive triple-axle trailer loaded with our two off-road racing trucks and a tray full of motocross bikes, spares, tools and race gas to fuel our mission. It towed all of our gear effortlessly over all the rugged and steep terrain,” said Mike.
“I was blown away by the multitude of cameras which were an extra sets of eyes all around the vehicle, plus handy features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer, the integrated side step so you don’t have to stand on the slippery tyres when pulling gear out the tray, Hill Ascent Assist as well as one of my favourite features… Engine braking function!
“The overhauled interior of the new Model Year HD is also a really big step up, it’s definitely more car than truck in terms of appearance and functionality but still gives you the feeling you’re in a tough truck. The new Bose Premium Sound System pumps, while the power sunroof, windows and rear sliding window help provide a sense of style. It’s a place I’ll be comfortable spending many hours in and I know my passengers will be equally happy, especially all the leg room (or more toy storage for the kids) in the back!
“I knew the HD was going to be good, but how damn good is what got me really pumped. It’s so smooth, has the tough sound of the diesel turbo V8 and I can’t wait to test big on and off the roads around the country.”
As part of the new Ambassadorship, Mike and Lincoln will play a starring role in a new TV commercial shot recently in the Central North Island of New Zealand.
The new campaign launches today and is the first local GMSV production to be shot in Aotearoa.
“The shoot was awesome, it was so much fun to be part of, especially getting the chance to put the new trucks through their paces,” said Mike.
“With a couple of days behind the wheel of the new model under my belt, I have absolute confidence in the product and know the new partnership with GMSV is going to be spectacular!”
The new Model Year 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty is on sale now and customers can order one through any of seven GMSV dealerships around the country, as well as visit GMSV to find out more about official specification information and towing capacity details.
The new GMSV Heavy Duty Mad Mike clip is available for viewing https://youtu.be/akPMp6mTrA4.