Eight weeks after incorporating a GM BrightDrop van into his plumbing and heating company’s vehicle lineup, Marty Salliss expresses nothing but satisfaction and commendation. The only drawback he mentions is the potential difficulty in acquiring another one.
Salliss, who heads a business with a quarter-century presence in London, Ontario, leased a BrightDrop 400 in October, coinciding with General Motors’ announcement to discontinue production of the electric delivery vehicle at the nearby CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll.
The decision by GM to halt BrightDrop production, citing lower-than-anticipated demand and shifting market dynamics, had a profound impact on the community and the 1,200 employees facing an uncertain future.
For Salliss, however, the Canadian-manufactured vehicle seamlessly integrated into his fleet, proving to be an ideal match for his operational needs.
Although originally designed for last-mile deliveries, Salliss recognized the potential of the BrightDrop as a service van, a view validated by its efficiency in his plumbing business. Customized racks from Woodfield Canada were installed to accommodate plumbing parts, tools, and large fixtures, enhancing its utility for service calls.
Embracing its unconventional aesthetics, Salliss affectionately describes the van as “so ugly it’s cute,” a sentiment that reflects his eagerness to experiment with innovative solutions.
The BrightDrop’s practicality extends beyond design, with its snow-ready traction, advanced dashboard cameras aiding parking, and impressive fuel efficiency and range. Salliss attests to its reliability, highlighting a journey to Goderich after a day of local service calls without recharging, showcasing its approximately 500-kilometer range per charge.
The van’s local production in Ingersoll, a factor that resonated with Salliss due to personal connections to the plant, reinforces his commitment to supporting Canadian manufacturing.
Leasing his BrightDrop from Finch Auto in London, Salliss underscores the vehicle’s appeal and laments the discontinuation, expressing a desire for future acquisitions to sustain local industry and his admiration for the pride associated with these vehicles.
Mike Van Boekel, chair of the union representing CAMI workers, echoes Salliss’s positive assessment, emphasizing the missed opportunity for market expansion beyond large-fleet clients. Despite setbacks, he remains optimistic about the plant’s future and its potential to produce high-quality vehicles.
The recognition received by the BrightDrop, including a third-place ranking in a Motor Trend poll for truck of the year, underscores its appeal and the skill of the workers involved. Van Boekel’s ongoing discussions with stakeholders aim to secure the plant’s operations, embodying a determined effort to navigate challenges and preserve manufacturing jobs.