South Korea’s once closed (aka protected) car market is slowly giving way to foreign brands, with GM now introducing its new Chevy Impala sedan that’s made at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant.
Last year, foreign automakers accounted for 13.92 percent of all South Korean new-passenger car sales at 195,359 units, a colossal jump from a trivial 0.004 percent (10 cars) in 1987 or even the 0.42 percent (4,414 units) stake in 2000.
“We are thrilled to have the iconic flagship sedan complete Chevrolet’s passenger car portfolio in Korea,” said Sergio Rocha, president and CEO of GM Korea. “We are confident that its bold styling, comfort, safety, powerful performance and technology will make it a leader in the highly competitive upper-medium sedan segment.”
The 2016 Impala will be offered in Korea with a choice of two gasoline engines, a 2.5-liter four-pot and a larger 3.6-liter V6.
According to GM’s press blurb, the export model’s Korea-only convenience features include “power folding side mirrors, an electronic toll collecting system, fuel-fill cap locking, rain-sensing wipers, a unique cluster, standard navigation, a unique antenna, a 220V power outlet, rear audio controls and rear heated seats.”
Note: Only the first picture in the gallery is of the Korean market model; the rest are of the North American-spec 2016 Impala
Photo Gallery
