GM Korea's domestic sales tumble 42.6% in May

SEOUL -- General Motors Korea said Monday that its domestic sales in May dropped by almost half from a year earlier, while its exports also declined year-on-year.

GM Korea said that it sold 808 vehicles in South Korea last month, down 42.6% from a year ago. Its exports amounted to 46,273, down 4.8%. Overall, the firm’s May sales stood at 47,081, down 5.9%.

The weak May performance followed a challenging start to the year. During the January-April period, GM Korea also saw its sales dip more than 10%.

GM Korea Vice President Gustavo Colossi said that Chevrolet vehicles continue to perform well overseas, while vowing to expand the customer base in South Korea.

“By offering a range of purchase benefits in June as well, including installment programs, GM will strive to enable more customers in Korea to experience the distinctive sensibility and appeal of the Chevrolet brand,” Colossi said in a statement.

However, experts argue that GM Korea needs to broaden its product lineup to remain competitive in South Korea, as it currently relies heavily on just two models -- the Chevrolet Trax Crossover and the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

“First of all, GM Korea has very few gasoline-powered models. It is required to introduce new products, including electric vehicles and hybrid cars,” Daelim University automotive professor Kim Pil-soo told UPI.

“GM Korea’s investment plans may help alleviate concerns about its long-term commitment to South Korea. But I think that the measure is not sufficient to expand its presence here,” Kim said.

In March, GM Korea announced plans to invest $600 million in South Korea to modernize its production facilities and strengthen its role as one of GM’s key global manufacturing hubs.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 7:04 AM.