GM Raises Korea Stakes With Launch of Trax Diesel

GM Korea releases a diesel version of its Trax subcompact CUV powered by the new European Gamma II 1.6 CDTI engine, dubbed the “whisper diesel” because of its quiet operation.

Pricing has not been released, but GM Korea CEO Sergio Rocha expects a big boost in sales in the segment. The vehicle until now has been offered in Korea only with a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine.

Combined with strong sales of the just-released Chevrolet Impala that is imported from parent General Motors’ Hamtramck, MI, plant in the U.S., Rocha is confident of taking nothing less than 10% of the Korean market this year.

The gasoline-powered Trax has not been not been a stellar performer in Korea, having sold only 5,300 units through the first six months of 2015. But, Rocha says at a rollout event for the new diesel: “Trax created and is a key player in the small CUV segment in the Korean market.

“I am confident it will be the perfect choice for smart customers who seek a segment-leading powertrain and those who want a small CUV without compromising comfort and safety.”

The Euro-6 compliant diesel mill produces 135 hp at 4,000 rpm and 237 lb.-ft. (321 Nm) of torque @ 2,250 rpm. Rocha says it matches the power of a regular 2.0L diesel engine. The gasoline version makes 140 hp at higher revs of 4,900 rpm but delivers just 148 lb.-ft. (201 Nm) of torque over the 1,850-4,900 rpm range.

The new engine is mated to a third-generation 6-speed automatic transmission specially tuned and enhanced to deliver maximum performance as part of the 1.6L diesel drivetrain package. The combination yields fuel efficiency of 31.8 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) city and 35.6 mpg (6.6 L/100 km) highway.

Built at GM Korea’s Bupyeong plant, the Trax diesel is expected to give production there a much-needed boost, as well help Rocha’s team achieve a 10% share of overall market in 2015.

No details of export plans are being given. The Trax also is produced by Shanghai GM in China and at GM Mexico’s San Luis Potosi plant.

The recently introduced imported Impala is contributing greatly to the 2015 sales target, having sold more than 3,000 units since it went on sale in Korea earlier this month. GM Korea’s estimate of 4,000 to 5,000 Impala sales through the end of the year is proving far too modest.

Demand is so strong that GM Korea has put in an emergency request to increase its allocation, as current inventories are shrinking at a rate of 200 sales per day.

No explanation has been given for the large underestimation of market demand. But analysts credit GM Korea with having excellent consumer insights through its constant polls and panels, as well as a strong grip on overall market trends.