Beginning in 1996, they imported GMC C/Ks for ambulance conversions. Unlike the Suburbans, these vehicles were not available to the general public, nor did they bear Holden badging. They also were not built as right-hand-drives from the factory like the Suburban was; the same company that handled the ambulance conversion (Jakab Ambulance in Tamworth) also switched the steering to the other side. Ninth generation (2000) The GMT800-based Suburbans were introduced in late December 1999 (Texas-only) and January 2000 (nationally) for the 2000 model year. They were sold in two series: 1/2-ton 1500 and 3/4-ton 2500. Suburbans came in Base, LS, and LT trims. Optional was a pushbutton 4WD with a low-range transfer case. A tow hitch with a trailer wiring plug was optional. For 2000, Chevrolet's long-serving 5.7 L and 7.4-liter V8 engines were retired along with the 6.5-liter diesel. New engines were Vortec 5300 for the 1500 series and Vortec 6000 for the 2500 series. Where Chevrolet kept the Tahoe/Suburban branding, GMC renamed their GMT800 products Yukon and Yukon XL, a change that continues to the present day. The shorter 116" wheelbase became the Yukon and the full-length 130" wheelbase became the Yukon XL. Yukons were delivered in SLE, SLT and Denali finish packages. New features included: A spare tire relocated beneath the vehicle (instead of in the cargo area as on previous models) "Puddle lamps" in the exterior mirrors on LS and LT models New instrument panel including a driver message center and engine hour meter Electronic climate control available on LT models Four-wheel disc brakes Load-leveling Autoride suspension available on LT models Premium Ride rear self-leveling suspension available on LS models Digital Components new wheels new interior new modern dashboard taillights with separate amber-colored turn signal indicators (thus this generation only) For 2001, the 6.0-liter V8 in 2500-series Suburbans gained from a number of changes including aluminum cylinder heads. The new Vortec 8100 V8 was added as an option for the 2500 as well. OnStar became standard on LT models and LS models with the new Z71 package. Quadrasteer four-wheel steering was added as an option on 2500 models only. 2002 saw several optional features made standard equipment on the LS model, including front and rear air conditioning, alloy wheels, power windows, power front seats, side steps, fog lamps, and heated outside rearview mirrors. Base models were discontinued, leaving LS and LT. The Vortec 5300 L59 variant