ID :
204569
Wed, 08/31/2011 - 11:21
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/204569
The shortlink copeid
Chevrolet on track to meet sales growth target for 2011
SEOUL, Aug. 31 (Yonhap) -- GM Korea Co., the South Korean unit of U.S. automaker General Motors Co. and local producer of Chevrolet vehicles, said Wednesday that it is on course to meet its double digit sales growth target for this year.
In a news conference marking six months since its Chevrolet brand launch in South Korea, Mike Arcamone, GM president, said that domestic sales have jumped an average of 27 percent on-year.
The carmaker officially began making cars under its global Chevrolet badge as of March 1 after discontinuing production of its GM Daewoo brand cars.
Sales by the carmaker reached a little more than 69,000 units in the first half of this year, making it the third largest seller of cars after Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp., which are flagships of Hyundai Motor Group, the world's fifth-largest carmaker.
"The strong growth figures sends a signal that we have reached sustainable success," the top executive said. He added that with the launch of new models such as the mid-size Malibu sedan and the Alpheon eAssist in the fourth quarter of this year, growth figures should do better in the coming months.
GM Korea has not published a specific annual sales target but stressed it wants to push up sales by double digits compared to the previous year.
He pointed out that the latest surveys showed that public awareness of the Chevrolet brand reached 98 percent, with 55 percent of consumers having favorable impression of cars made by the company.
This, he said, is the result of the launching of new car models in the domestic market such as the Orlando, Aveo and Cruze, and revamping of customer service through the so-called Chevy care program that places the needs of consumers first.
"GM has offered unmatched level of service to its customers that has rejuvenated the brand as a whole," he said.
The president also said that the carmaker is moving to position itself for continued growth as the Chevrolet brand celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Although cars using the Chevrolet brand are produced all over the world, a quarter are designed, engineered and built in South Korea, he said.
Arcamone said that to further strengthen domestic presence, the carmaker has enlarged it dealership network and is planning the world launch of the new Malibu sedan in South Korean market first, followed by international sales late this year and early 2012.
The carmaker did not give details on the price of the car.
The chief executive also said that the company regrets the reports of water leaks in some of its vehicles during the recent heavy downpours, and have taken steps to repair the problem free of charge. He, however, said that complaints about vehicle transmissions were unfounded.
The executive said that despite speculation, GM Korea did not have any plans to list the company on the local stock market.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
In a news conference marking six months since its Chevrolet brand launch in South Korea, Mike Arcamone, GM president, said that domestic sales have jumped an average of 27 percent on-year.
The carmaker officially began making cars under its global Chevrolet badge as of March 1 after discontinuing production of its GM Daewoo brand cars.
Sales by the carmaker reached a little more than 69,000 units in the first half of this year, making it the third largest seller of cars after Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp., which are flagships of Hyundai Motor Group, the world's fifth-largest carmaker.
"The strong growth figures sends a signal that we have reached sustainable success," the top executive said. He added that with the launch of new models such as the mid-size Malibu sedan and the Alpheon eAssist in the fourth quarter of this year, growth figures should do better in the coming months.
GM Korea has not published a specific annual sales target but stressed it wants to push up sales by double digits compared to the previous year.
He pointed out that the latest surveys showed that public awareness of the Chevrolet brand reached 98 percent, with 55 percent of consumers having favorable impression of cars made by the company.
This, he said, is the result of the launching of new car models in the domestic market such as the Orlando, Aveo and Cruze, and revamping of customer service through the so-called Chevy care program that places the needs of consumers first.
"GM has offered unmatched level of service to its customers that has rejuvenated the brand as a whole," he said.
The president also said that the carmaker is moving to position itself for continued growth as the Chevrolet brand celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Although cars using the Chevrolet brand are produced all over the world, a quarter are designed, engineered and built in South Korea, he said.
Arcamone said that to further strengthen domestic presence, the carmaker has enlarged it dealership network and is planning the world launch of the new Malibu sedan in South Korean market first, followed by international sales late this year and early 2012.
The carmaker did not give details on the price of the car.
The chief executive also said that the company regrets the reports of water leaks in some of its vehicles during the recent heavy downpours, and have taken steps to repair the problem free of charge. He, however, said that complaints about vehicle transmissions were unfounded.
The executive said that despite speculation, GM Korea did not have any plans to list the company on the local stock market.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
