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GM Korea Targets 500,000 Vehicles in 2026, Running Two Plants at Full Capacity

A request from GM headquarters drives the push, signaling strong U.S. demand alongside tariff risk.

Overview

  • GM said its parent requested full-capacity operation at Bupyeong and Changwon to build Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer models for export.
  • The 500,000 goal represents an 8.5% increase from last year's output of 460,826 vehicles.
  • The U.S. currently imposes a 15% tariff on Korean-made cars, and President Donald Trump has threatened to raise it to 25%.
  • GM Korea remains heavily U.S.-dependent, with 83.8% of last year's production shipped to the American market, led by Trax and Trailblazer exports.
  • The company cites a $300 million investment and recent GMC launches, with a Hummer EV introduction planned in the first half of the year, to bolster sales and its local footprint.