SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 29, 2024 - In a significant development for U.S. diplomatic security efforts, GM Defense has completed production of the first vehicles in support of the U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Heavy-Duty Armored Sport Utility Vehicle (HD SUV) program. The event was celebrated with key stakeholders, including Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith, who visited GM Defense’s state-of-the-art Manufacturing and Customer Innovation Center in Concord, North Carolina, to mark the occasion.
The launch of the Suburban Shield, GM Defense's latest innovation, highlights the company’s commitment to supporting national security needs with robust, reliable, and high-performance vehicles. Designed with a unique body-on-frame chassis and specialized suspension system, the Suburban Shield can handle the rigorous demands of diplomatic missions around the globe. Its design relies heavily on commercial off-the-shelf parts sourced from General Motors' global supply chain, covering components such as the body, exterior, propulsion, interior, and brakes to ensure both reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Steve duMont, President of GM Defense, expressed the company’s pride in this new vehicle's capabilities. “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,” said duMont. The Suburban Shield has been tailored specifically to support the DSS's critical missions, bringing together security and innovation to protect those in high-stakes environments.
The Suburban Shield is not merely an armored vehicle but is a testament to GM Defense’s approach to modernizing security transportation. DSS agents, who often operate in volatile international regions, require transportation that combines protection with reliability. To this end, the Suburban Shield's features, such as advanced anti-lock braking systems and enhanced handling capabilities, address the particular demands faced by security personnel in challenging terrains and situations. "I had the opportunity to try out the prototype," shared Gentry Smith. "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's commitment to advanced manufacturing also sets the Suburban Shield apart. Utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing tools and techniques, the company can maintain high standards of quality while achieving cost efficiencies and flexible production schedules. This approach is critical in meeting the stringent timelines and performance standards expected by the DSS, which requires reliable vehicles capable of enduring the stresses of diplomatic security assignments. GM Defense’s innovative production process exemplifies the company’s dedication to supporting national security while managing costs and ensuring the rapid delivery of critical assets.
The contract for this next-generation HD SUV program, awarded to GM Defense last year, supports not only the DSS but also more than a dozen other federal agencies, signaling GM Defense’s expanding role in government security operations. The vehicle will serve as a key asset for multiple federal departments, emphasizing the growing reliance on GM Defense's expertise and reliability. This multi-agency approach underscores the versatility and effectiveness of the Suburban Shield in a range of government security applications.
As GM Defense continues to deliver these vehicles, the Suburban Shield is poised to play an instrumental role in ensuring the safety and security of U.S. diplomats and federal personnel worldwide. With its combination of durability, high performance, and cost-effectiveness, the Suburban Shield reflects GM Defense's commitment to advancing security vehicles that address both current and future challenges in global diplomatic security.
For more information on the Suburban Shield and GM Defense’s HD SUV program, please visit [gmdefensellc.com](https://www.gmdefensellc.com) or follow GM Defense on LinkedIn.