The pickup truck is decidedly American. While our friends down under can claim fame to the ute, or utility vehicle, pickup trucks, especially in the full-size, heavy duty variety, are so red, white and blue it hurts.
Australians quite like them though, and conversion companies have continued to rapidly pop up to convert American trucks to right-hand drive, and bring them up to spec for the country.
The latest conversion company, Shogun Conversions, has reportedly been given the green light to import an unlimited number of Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 into the country, per CarAdvice.
The full volume certification from the Australian government means the right-hand drive converted trucks meet all ADR prerequisites, including simulated crash tests. Shogun Conversions is based in Australia, but performs the conversions in the Philippines.
Shogun Conversions will find heated competition from Walkinshaw/Ateco joint-venture, American Special Vehicles and Performax. Both convert full-size, American pickups for Australian consumption.
Both rivals perform the conversions locally, which is great for Aussie pride, however, Shogun will have inexpensive, Philippine labor on its side, meaning its trucks could ring in cheaper.
Shogun Conversions has not yet stated when its trucks will be available, but did state they will be distributed across a nationwide dealer network.
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