SEOUL, April 30 (AJP) - GM Korea has pledged to reinforce its Changwon plant as a global export hub, dismissing persistent rumors of a possible withdrawal from the South Korean market.
The automaker has invested heavily in the plant, which has an annual capacity of up to 280,000 vehicles, betting on small SUVs as a core business to cement its position within GM and sustain its Korean operations over the long term.
Vice president Asif Khatri, who oversees manufacturing across GM's global operations, said at a press briefing at the plant earlier this week that the automaker will continue improving its facilities to "keep up with strong demand," adding that combined cumulative production of its Trax and Trailblazer small SUVs has recently surpassed 2 million units.
Both models were fully developed and produced in South Korea from initial design through manufacturing. The Trax has been built at the Changwon plant since 2023, while the Trailblazer has been produced at its Bupyeong plant in Incheon since 2020.
When asked about speculation that GM could leave the South Korean market amid weak domestic sales, Khatri said he would respond with actions rather than words, saying that the plant is running "at full capacity to maximize output."
GM Korea currently operates three production plants along with several facilities for engines, transmissions, and other components.
Vice President Lee Dong-woo, who is in charge of the South Korean manufacturing operation, said, "Small SUVs could be among the last internal-combustion segments to remain in demand," keeping its plants busy to "keep up with demand."
The automaker has invested heavily in the plant, which has an annual capacity of up to 280,000 vehicles, betting on small SUVs as a core business to cement its position within GM and sustain its Korean operations over the long term.
Vice president Asif Khatri, who oversees manufacturing across GM's global operations, said at a press briefing at the plant earlier this week that the automaker will continue improving its facilities to "keep up with strong demand," adding that combined cumulative production of its Trax and Trailblazer small SUVs has recently surpassed 2 million units.
Both models were fully developed and produced in South Korea from initial design through manufacturing. The Trax has been built at the Changwon plant since 2023, while the Trailblazer has been produced at its Bupyeong plant in Incheon since 2020.
When asked about speculation that GM could leave the South Korean market amid weak domestic sales, Khatri said he would respond with actions rather than words, saying that the plant is running "at full capacity to maximize output."
GM Korea currently operates three production plants along with several facilities for engines, transmissions, and other components.
Vice President Lee Dong-woo, who is in charge of the South Korean manufacturing operation, said, "Small SUVs could be among the last internal-combustion segments to remain in demand," keeping its plants busy to "keep up with demand."
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