Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
GM Korea launches Impala flagship sedan
A model poses next to Chevrolet’s full-size flagship Impala sedan during a a launch event at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Tuesday. The newest Impala, manufactured in the U.S., will be delivered to local customers from next month. / Yonhap
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
GM Korea has set its sights on expanding its presence in Korea’s full-size sedan segment by launching its flagship Impala with “unprecedented pricing.”
“GM Korea is taking an exciting step forward by introducing the best-selling large sedan in U.S. history,” said Sergio Rocha, GM Korea CEO, during the launch event at Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Tuesday. “The Impala’s success in the domestic market will enable us to expand our product portfolio in the upper segment.”
The Impala holds an iconic place in General Motors history, having had 10 generational models since its launch in 1958 in the United States. It is one of the carmaker’s best selling models, with accumulated sales of over 16 million cars.
The tenth generation Impala comes with either a 2.5-liter or a 3.6-liter engine that provides a smooth but powerful performance. The 3.6-liter engine, which is also used for the Cadillac XTS, offers up to 309 horsepower and 36.5 kilogram meters torque.
On top of its dynamic performance, its biggest appeal to Korean customers will be its price. Although the car has the largest wheelbase in the segment and is packed with safety and convenience features, its price is 3 to 5 million won lower than in the United States.
Prices range from 34.09 million won ($29,413) to 41.91 million won, depending on options and trims.
The Chevrolet Impala is assembled at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck facility in the U.S. Against market expectation that price would be slightly higher here than in the U.S., considering taxes and logistical costs, GM Korea responded with its “unprecedented” pricing.
“Base prices in Korea are lower than in the U.S. It is very unique for an imported car,” said Rocha.
The Impala flagship sedan, even before its launch showed strong signs it will be a success in the crowded large-size sedan segment.
The company has received more than 1,000 orders for the Impala during the six days since July 31, when it started accepting pre-orders.
Its biggest local rival the Hyundai Grandeur sedan’s price ranges from 29.88 million won to 34.52 million won, while the Aslan’s price starts from 39.9 million won.
“The Impala will be well received by Korean customers. This will support our sustainable growth,” said Rocha, expressing his high expectations for the sedan.
The company, with its line-up of the new Spark compact car, new Trax compact SUV and now the full-size sedan Impala, aims to expand its local market share to over 10 percent.
“Today we are selling 4,000 – 5,000 Alpheons a year. We believe we can triple this volume in the Korean market with the Impala,” said Rocha.
Asked whether the carmaker is considering producing its top segment sedan in Korea, instead of importing from the U.S. plant, he was open to the possibility saying that if volume is enough to make the business feasible, he will definitely consider it. “In fact, it is one of the agreements we made in wage negotiations with our local union,” he said.
“The Impala has every feature that our customers in Korea are looking for in its segment ― head-turning design, a comfortable and roomy interior, powerful performance and advanced safety features,” said Marc Comeau, GM Korea vice president of Vehicle Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. “With these key elements, the magic that has attracted millions of Americans to the Impala for decades will unfold in Korea.”