By Baek Byung-yeulGM aims to increase its presence in the Korean market this year as its three brands — Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC — will launch four new models, including two electric vehicles (EVs), to deliver a unique experience only GM can offer, the head of its Korean unit said Friday.
"We aim to deliver a distinct and varied product experience exclusive to GM through our Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC brands, putting the customer at the center of everything we do," Hector Villarreal, president and CEO of GM Korea, said during a press conference held at the House of GM in Seoul.
"We plan to strengthen GM’s presence in the fiercely competitive domestic market and meet the needs of those seeking the unique American product experience and new lifestyle that only GM can provide by expanding our comprehensive range of products," the CEO added.
Under the strategy, GM Korea will introduce the Cadillac LYRIQ EV SUV, Chevrolet Equinox EV SUV, the Cadillac XT4 SUV and the Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck in the Korean market this year.
To give customers a chance to approach GM brands more closely, GM Korea opened the House of GM in southern Seoul in 2023. The company also opened the Village of GM last October in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, to enable customer to enjoy outdoor life using the SUVs and pickup trucks of GM.
In addition, GM Korea announced that it will open the Seoul Service Center in July this year and launch its OnStar in-vehicle connectivity service in Korea in the first half of this year. It also said plans to expand the scope of ACDelco, an aftermarket parts sales service, here.
"We take pride in offering a diverse range of vehicles that cater to a broad spectrum of preferences backed by excellent safety and outstanding performance," said Gustavo Colossi, vehicle sales, service and marketing vice president of GM Korea. "Whether it's the sleek design and versatility of a Chevrolet, the reliability and robustness of a GMC or the luxury and innovation of a Cadillac, our vehicle portfolio is meticulously curated to meet the unique preferences of Korean drivers."
GM said its Korean operation sold 468,059 vehicles last year, up 76.6 percent from the year before. This was possible thanks to popular models such as the Chevrolet Trax Crossover and the Trailblazer, which secured the top two spots in Korean domestic passenger car imports for 2023.
“This year, GM intends to fully utilize its annual production capacity of 500,000 units. Its primary focus will remain sustaining the success of the Trax Crossover and Trailblazer and fostering the sustainable business environment of its facilities,” GM Korea said.