GM Korea to launch 4 new models this year for growth

SEOUL, Feb. 4 (Yonhap) -- GM Korea Co., the South Korean unit of General Motors Co., said Sunday it will launch four new vehicles, including two electric models, this year to strengthen its presence in the domestic market.

GM Korea plans to introduce two pure electric models -- the Cadillac Lyriq SUV and the Chevrolet Equinox SUVs -- and two gasoline models -- the Cadillac XT4 SUV and the Chevrolet Colorado pickup -- throughout the year, the company said in a statement.

The two battery-powered models are based on Ultium, GM's dedicated EV platform.

The company said it will continue to add Ultium-based EV models in the Korean market in line with the era of electrification.

"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 CEO Hector Villarreal said in the statement.

GM Korea posted strong results last year, helped by strong exports of the Trax Crossover and Trailblazer SUVs. Sales jumped 77 percent on-year to 468,059 units.

GM will show its ongoing dedication to South Korea, a crucial part of its global operations, while keeping pace with the market for both traditional combustion engine vehicles and EV models, the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Korean market, GM said it will open the Seoul Service Center, which will offer comprehensive, one-stop service, ranging from vehicle maintenance to product experiences and purchases, in July.

The Detroit carmaker also plans to introduce its OnStar service in Korea in the first half, with the Chevrolet Trax Crossover as the first model to be applied.

GM's OnStar service offers an expanded digital experience, ranging from vehicle diagnostics, remote control services and wireless over-the-air through mobile apps.

In a two-track strategy, GM Korea sells domestically produced and imported vehicles in Asia's fourth-biggest economy.

Its lineup is composed of two locally assembled models, the Trailblazer SUV and the Trax Crossover, and six imported ones -- the Colorado pickup, the Bolt all-electric car, and the Equinox, Traverse and Tahoe SUVs, as well as the GMC brand's Sierra Denali pickup.

kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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