"Big Brother Pickup Truck Has Arrived"…GMC Sierra Launched in Korea

The Nation's First Full-Size Pickup Truck
'Denali' Launched as a Single Trim... "Starting from 93.3 Million KRW"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] General Motors (GM) has officially launched the premium pickup and sport utility vehicle (SUV) brand 'GMC' in South Korea. The first model introduced is the full-size pickup truck Sierra.

On the 7th, GM held a media showcase at Sebitseom to announce the launch of the GMC Sierra. Roberto Rempel, President of GM Korea, stated, "Sierra holds a unique position within the GMC brand," adding, "It will offer customers who want better mainstream vehicles or wish to experience the premium and luxury segments a 'genuine American premium brand experience.'"

The Sierra is GMC's flagship model that has gone through five generations since its launch in 1987. It is the first full-size pickup truck officially released in the domestic market. The Sierra launched in Korea is the top-tier Denali trim, a 5-seat crew cab short box model. It boasts a length of 5890mm, width of 2065mm, and height of 1950mm. Only the premium Denali trim is available for sale domestically.

The GMC pickup truck Sierra. Photo by Hyunseok Yoo

The vehicle's exterior features the front fascia signature Denali chrome grille. Additionally, LED and chrome elements are actively used throughout the vehicle to complete the luxurious impression unique to the Sierra Denali. The Sierra is available in five exterior colors: Avalon White Pearl, Tuxedo Black, Pacific Blue, Volcano Red, and Rush Gray. Interior colors are offered in Jet Black and Brownstone.

The interior space boasts an overwhelming sense of spaciousness that surpasses the limitations of a pickup truck. The second-row legroom measures 1102mm, providing comfort comparable to the front row. The interior display consists of an integrated 40.7-inch screen, including a 13.4-inch high-resolution color touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital color cluster that can switch between four modes, and a 15-inch multi-color head-up display. These provide the driver with intuitive visibility and high usability.

The Sierra is built with a high-strength full box frame body, offering an outstanding towing capacity of up to 3945kg. It supports easy trailer attachment through features such as the hitch view camera, standard trailer hitch receiver and connector, hitch light, and trailer assist guidelines.

The engine is a 6.2ℓ V8 direct injection gasoline engine, delivering a maximum output of 426 horsepower and peak torque of 63.6kg·m. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and GM’s proprietary Dynamic Fuel Management system to enhance fuel efficiency.

Jung Jeong-yoon, Chief Marketing Officer, Roberto Rempel, President of GM Korea Operations, Jung Sung-il, GMC Sierra Ambassador, Molly Peck, Global Chief Marketing Officer of GMC & Buick, Yoon Myung-ok, Executive Director of Public Relations, and Carlos Minert, Vice President of Sales and Service, are taking a commemorative photo at the GMC Sierra showcase event. Photo by Yoo Hyun-seok

GMC premium care services and dedicated service centers will be provided for Sierra buyers. Customers can receive priority regular vehicle inspections and simple consumable services within the warranty period (3 years or 60,000 km) without prior reservation through the GMC Premium Care service. The 'Pickup & Delivery Service,' which picks up and repairs the vehicle at the customer's desired location, is available unlimitedly within the warranty period. Additionally, a 'Consumable Replacement Package Service' is offered, providing free replacement of five consumables including engine oil (5 times) and air conditioner filters (3 times).

GMC operates a dedicated call center and has opened 52 dedicated GMC service centers nationwide, planning to expand to 84 centers by the first half of 2023 to establish a domestic service network. Carlos Minert, Vice President of Sales and Service, emphasized, "We have prepared various equipment for GMC maintenance," adding, "Customers will receive differentiated services compared to other imported cars."

GM expects the GMC Sierra to secure a dominant position in the premium pickup market. Jung Jung-yoon, Chief Marketing Officer of GM Korea, said, "The Sierra is positioned as a high-end vehicle for successful individuals, especially targeting core customers in their 40s and 50s," emphasizing, "It will offer an appeal that cannot be found in general pickups or other brands."

The price of the Sierra Denali trim is 93.3 million KRW, and the Denali-X Special Edition is priced at 95 million KRW. Contracts can be made through the GMC website starting today. The Sierra can be viewed at 11 major GMC zones nationwide. Deliveries will proceed sequentially upon contract.