In June 2019, the US Army awarded a $1 million contract to GM Defense to develop two ISV (infantry squad vehicle) prototypes for testing and evaluation, and it is expected to award a production and deployment contract later this year.

GM Defense’s ISV is based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 architecture and leverages 70% commercial off-the-shelf parts in a flexible light all-terrain vehicle.

Ricardo Defense will assist GM Defense with integrated product support, typically consisting of vehicle technical manuals and training materials for operators and maintenance personnel.

GM Defense president David Albritton said (www.gmdefensellc.com)) “We are excited to join forces with Ricardo Defense to significantly strengthen our submission for the ISV contract.

"Ricardo’s experience with military ‘fleet readiness, performance and sustainment’ — combined with GM’s expertise in engineering, manufacturing and product quality at scale — creates a powerful team that can meet and exceed the Army’s demands for this platform.”

Chet Gryczan, president of Ricardo Defense, said: “I am extremely pleased that we have been selected to support GM Defense on the ISV initiative.

“Ricardo Defense has extensive experience in acquisition logistics and lifecycle sustainment efforts for military ground vehicle programmes, and I feel we will be able to ensure that the application of a commercial off-the-shelf vehicle to the Army is both seamless and successful."