Some lucky soldiers might have childhood dreams come true thanks to the alliance between American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) and GM Defense, unveiled at the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting. The two automotive powerhouses showcased an upgraded Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 Bison that is about as American as right-on-red or a screaming eagle clutching the red, white, and blue. This collaborative build demonstrates how AEV’s consumer-grade engineering already aligns with, and often exceeds, the rigorous demands of military applications without the need for modification.
The Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 Bison on display features a selection of AEV components from the company’s consumer catalog. Among these are the AEV snorkel system, 37-inch tire clearance kit, Salta XD wheels, auxiliary bumper lighting, 7,000-Series LED lights, a vertical tire mount system, and a ComeUp Solo 12.5RS GMF winch. Each of these products has been tested to OEM standards, validated through integration with GM’s production trucks, and relied upon by AEV’s customer base of overland enthusiasts and professional operators alike.
AEV’s founder and CEO, Dave Harriton, emphasized that this partnership underscores the engineering strength of their consumer offerings.
“This collaboration with GM Defense demonstrates the quality and engineering excellence of our consumer products. These parts are designed and engineered to the highest standards so they seamlessly meet defense requirements without modification.”
AEV’s role as a Tier 1 supplier to GM has long bridged the gap between consumer adventure vehicles and specialized applications. The company works directly with GM to produce factory-integrated off-road packages such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado ZR2 Bison and the GMC Sierra and Canyon AT4X AEV Edition. These production models roll off the assembly line equipped with AEV-designed bumpers, skid plates, wheels, and other enhancements engineered for uncompromising durability. The validation process for these consumer-grade vehicles now serves as the foundation for military applications, where reliability, integration, and performance are critical.
GM Defense Vice President of Integrated Vehicle Solutions Pete Johnson highlighted the direct transfer of AEV’s proven expertise into defense solutions.
“AEV has proven its capability in GM’s toughest off-road production platforms, and that gives us confidence in their role in defense solutions. Their proven track record in the most demanding consumer markets translates directly to mission-ready performance.”
All components featured on the AUSA vehicle are available to consumers through AEV’s official website and authorized dealer network, with full warranty coverage and support. This dual-market accessibility reinforces AEV’s long-standing philosophy that expedition-grade consumer equipment can also deliver value and capability to professional and military users.
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