GM Korea accelerates resurgence with four new cars this year

GM Korea is seeking to solidify its resurgence by introducing four new vehicles, including two new EVs, in the domestic market this year.

GM Korea CEO Hector Villarreal speaks about the company's business strategies during a press conference Friday in southern Seoul. [GM KOREA]

GM Korea is seeking to solidify its resurgence by introducing four new vehicles, including two new EVs, in the domestic market this year.

A new service center will also be opened in 2024, with a new connected car service set to be launched within the first half.

The Korean arm of the U.S. automaker is strengthening its lineup this year by introducing four new vehicles in the local market, including two purely Ultium platform-based EVs — The Cadillac Lyriq and the Chevrolet Equinox EV.

GM operates globally with four brands — Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC — of which Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC models are currently offered in Korea.

"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," said GM Korea CEO Hector Villarreal during a press conference Friday in southern Seoul.

Chevy Trax Crossover on the road [GM KOREA]

GM Korea is also opening a new service center in Yeungdeungpo District, western Seoul, in July, which will offer a one-stop service ranging from vehicle purchases to maintenance.

The automaker plans to introduce an OnStar service in the first half, an extended digital experience that includes remote control services and wireless over-the-air updates through a mobile app.

Chevy Trax Crossover will be the first model to have the service, GM Korea said.

"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."

GM Korea’s sales have seen a steady rise since last year thanks to its latest Trax Crossover, which was introduced in March. It swung to profit in 2022, ending eight consecutive years of losses, an upturn it hopes to continue.

GM Korea sold a total of 468,059 vehicles last year, up 76.6 percent on year. Trax Crossover and Trailblazer SUVs earned the top two spots in Korean passenger car exports for 2023.

It sold 43,194 vehicles in January, a 165.8 percent jump on year.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]