New Malibu to Hit Korean Market in October

General Motors will launch sales of its new Chevrolet Malibu in Korea in October, GM Korea President and CEO Michael Arcamone confirms.

Also headed for sale around that time is the independently branded eAssist Alpheon large luxury sedan that is GM Korea’s version of the Buick LaCrosse with a mild-hybrid system.

Korea first to get new Malibu.

“We have a solid plan for the ongoing introduction of new Chevrolet products in the domestic market,” Arcamone tells local media.

“The Malibu, Chevrolet’s new global midsize sedan, will soon be launched in Korea before any other market.

This will enable us to achieve a more solid brand stance and bolster our sales.”

Akush Arora, GM Korea vice president-sales, marketing and aftersales, says GM Korea will be the first GM entity to produce the Malibu and will begin exporting the car by the end of the year.

Rollout of the Malibu and the eAssist Alpheon will bring to eight the number of new vehicle launches by GM Korea in 2011.

“Market response to the Chevrolet brand in Korea has exceeded our expectations,” Arora tells reporters.

GM Korea converted all of its former Daewoo vehicles, except the Alpheon and the mini-commercial Damas and Labos, to the Chevrolet brand in March.

In a recent national survey in Korea, 98% of respondents were aware of the Chevrolet brand and 55% said they would consider buying a Chevrolet, he notes.

Arcamone says GM Korea also is working on eco-friendly vehicles, pointing to the introduction of a 10-vehicle Cruze battery-powered test fleet launched in 2010 and marketing tests with the Chevrolet Volt now under way.

He does not comment on the recent linkup between GM and Korea’s LG Chem to develop electric vehicles. Analysts believe GM Korea will play a major role in developing the EVs.