Four New Buick and GMC Models to Be Introduced Next Year
General Motors (GM) Korea Operations (Korea GM) has directly refuted recent rumors of withdrawal, which have been spreading due to the discontinuation of its directly operated maintenance business, by announcing a plan to invest $300 million (approximately 440 billion won) in its domestic production base to enhance manufacturing capacity. Next year, the company will introduce four new models under the Buick and GMC brands to invigorate its sluggish domestic sales.
Hector Vizareal, General Manager of GM Korea Operations, is explaining the business achievements and strategies in Korea at the 'GM Korea Operations 2026 Business Strategy Conference' held on the 15th in Cheongna International City, Seo-gu, Incheon. Korea GM
On December 15, Korea GM held the "2026 Business Strategy Conference" at the GM Cheongna Proving Ground in Cheongna International City, Seo-gu, Incheon, where it unveiled its business strategy and key milestones for the coming year.
The event was attended by Hector Villarreal, President of Korea GM; Gustavo Colossi, Vice President of Sales, Service, and Marketing at GM Korea Operations; Brian McMurray, President of GM Technical Center Korea; Park Sunwon, National Assembly member from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Bupyeong-gu-eul, Incheon); as well as representatives from the Chevrolet and Cadillac sales networks and partner service networks, among other stakeholders.
President Villarreal stated, "Over the past 20 years, GM has produced 13.3 million vehicles in Korea and sold 2.5 million units in the domestic market, establishing itself as a key pillar of the Korean automotive industry. We will further strengthen our full-cycle capabilities in Korea, from vehicle design and engineering to production and sales, expand our next-generation internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios, introduce advanced driving technologies for Korean customers, and grow together with the Korean market as a strong partner for the automotive ecosystem and local economy."
GM executives and key internal and external stakeholders listening to an explanation about the electrical system bench equipment. Hector Vizareal, President of GM Korea Operations (fourth from the left), Brian McMurray, President of GM Technical Center Korea (sixth from the left), Young Heo, Chairman of GM Korea Operations Labor Union Council (third from the left), Jangwon Kang, Chairman of Korea GM Dealership Council (seventh from the left). Korea GM
He added, "We are responding to strong global demand for vehicles produced in Korea, and Korea serves as a core production hub in GM's global growth strategy. We will continue to invest in our domestic production base to enhance mid- to long-term competitiveness, and GM's unwavering commitment to Korea remains unchanged."
Next year, Korea GM will introduce new GMC and Buick brands to the Korean market. Although the specific models have not yet been finalized, the plan is to launch three GMC models and one Buick model. As a result, Korea will become the first GM global market outside of North America (the United States, Canada, and Mexico) to offer all four product brands.
The Chevrolet sales network will handle Buick models, while the Cadillac sales network will be responsible for GMC models. In addition, new showrooms will be opened in regions such as Songpa and the western area of Seoul, as well as Busan, in the first half of next year to expand customer touchpoints.
Hector Vizareal, General Manager and President of GM Korea Operations (center front), is taking a commemorative photo with employees and key stakeholders at the "GM Korea Operations 2026 Business Strategy Conference" held on the 15th in Cheongna International City, Seo-gu, Incheon. GM Korea
In response, the Korean Metal Workers' Union GM Branch stated, "The closure of direct maintenance operations and outsourcing, along with restructuring and investment in Korea GM without new vehicle production, signals GM's intention to transform into an imported car sales company." The union further argued, "GM must present a concrete mid- to long-term plan for follow-up models and the development of future vehicles, including electric vehicles, within Korea GM."
The union also said, "GM has repeatedly claimed in the past that 'Korea is core,' but the results have been the closure of the Gunsan plant, suspension of operations at the Bupyeong Plant 2, and restructuring of maintenance and logistics. We demand legal and institutional guarantees for the maintenance of employment, production, and services."
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