General Motors South Africa is serious about making the Chevrolet brand a success back home.
And I don't say that as a result of some typical PR-speak that we were spoonfed in this beautiful Brazilian city. No, one definitely gets the feeling GM is determined to make the brand No 1 in its global conglomerate and the new Chev Montana bakkie is but one step towards making this happen.
A South African media contingent, travelled to Brazil to drive the new bakkie.
But before getting behind the wheel it was explained to us the reasoning behind swopping the Opel Corsa badge to that of Chevrolet.
"After being a market leader for many years, the Corsa Utility had to be in line with the rest of the world markets," explained GMSA's Malcolm Gauld, with a smile as wide as one of the many beaches that outline this city.
"It was a worrying move but had to be done and it has turned out to be the best decision we could have made. The changeover was smoother than we anticipated."
Before hitting the road on a test drive of the new Montana we visited the GM design centre to see where the vehicle was conceptualised.
A 150km drive from Soa Paulo to Riviera de Sao Lourenco took us over different road surfaces well maintained highways to potholes and bumpy surfaces.
The Montana, destined for South Africa later this year, did well in terms of drivability and general ride comfort.
It is expected to continue as market leader. The head honchos as GMSA say the market has accepted the Chevrolet badge on their favourite half ton vehicle and this makes things easier from here onwards.
However, there are a few logistical problems around the name of the bakkie. It is still unclear if the Chevrolet Utility name is to be used going forward in SA.
The Montana name cannot be carried on SA units as it already belongs to another vehicle brand.
The three engine derivatives for our market are: 1.4-litre; 1.8-litre and a 1.3 (which won't be available at launch).
The new bakkie's load capacity has been improved by making it deeper.
Although, I'm not a bakkie junkie (be it small or big) I found the Montana beautiful, especially in the green and red colours which we will also be getting. The new Montana has a design that delivers even more stiffness and strength, thanks to its more dynamic and flowing lines.
The front end follows Chevrolet global identity, with a sectioned radiator grille and unique style headlamps, while the side recalls the look of American heavy duty pick-ups.
We were only able to drive the 1.4-litre petrol in Brazil and it performed well at sea level. But even if it loses ten per cent of this performance at high altitude, I don't think it would do that badly. I'm disappointed that ABS is only available on the Sport model.
Driving on some bad stretches of roads it became clear that the suspension has been vigorously tested. The ride was smoother than expected for a bakkie.
The Utility comes with an exclusive package which includes cruise control, on-board computer, air conditioning with digital display and twilight sensor. It is also equipped with AM/FM CD/MP3 radio with Bluetooth, USB port and Ipod connectivity.
GMSA is mum on the pricing, saying that the Chevrolet Utility would be competitively priced.