AUSTRALIAN fans of American cars are already asking about the exciting new Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray and the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, just weeks after their debuts at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, according to the country's leading independent importer.

Queensland-based Performax International has been importing and converting Corvettes for almost 25 years and also builds right-hand drive Silverados, Chev Camaros, Toyota Tundras, Ford Mustangs and other American vehicles.

The Stingray already has fans eager to see it on Australian roads to take on Ferraris, Aston Martins, Porsches, Lamborghinis and others in the local supercar stakes, says Performax International General Manager Glenn Soper - but they will have to be patient.

"The new C7 is every Corvette enthusiast's dream and there's already plenty of interest in us getting it on the road here," Mr Soper said.

"In view of a Chevrolet spokesman's statement at Detroit motor show that it will not build a right-hand drive Corvette, we aim to be the first, as we were with the Camaro.

"But it will be a long process. The Corvette is not due to be launched in the US until the third quarter, then we will have to import a prototype, re-engineer it for right-hand drive, test it and secure Australian Design Rule compliance for local registration. It's too soon yet to say how long this will take.

"As these cars become more complex, with more electronics, the task becomes more exacting.

"Performax has unmatched capability in right-hand drive countries to do this, as we demonstrated with the Ford Mustang's electric power steering last year and the world's first right-hand drive Camaro in 2011.

"When the new Stingray does go on sale here, it will be a genuine supercar at a fraction the price of European rivals."

Mr Soper said there was even more interest in the new version of the company's biggest-selling model, the Silverado pick-up.

"The 2014 model represents a very significant upgrade in all areas and will be worth the wait.

"We currently have Performax dealers in five States and are looking for more,  and the Silverado will be an important product for their customers.

"There is still nothing else for sale in Australia quite like the Silverado's combination of power, towing capacity, luxury, presence and value for money.

"With higher US production volumes meaning greater availability, plus strong demand here, the Silverado will be our priority project."

Performax International delivers more than 200 vehicles a year around Australia, engineered in its own factory at Gympie to full Australian Design Rule compliance and ISO 9001 Quality Assured standards.

For further information, please contact:
Glenn Soper
General Manager
Performax International
Phone 07 5482 7833
Mob. (0407) 010 451
gm@performaxint.com.au
www.performaxint.com.au