The Chevrolet Trax crossover shows strong performance in global markets, raising questions about how potential U.S. auto tariffs could impact GM Korea’s export figures. Industry insiders report that GM Korea is bolstering its performance by exporting the Trax and Trailblazer to global markets, including the United States. The Trax has been a standout performer, with 295,099 units exported last year. This impressive figure secured its position as Korea’s top automobile export for the second year. The Trailblazer also significantly contributed, with 178,066 units shipped overseas, ranking fourth among all GM Korea models.
The Trax and Trailblazer are manufactured at GM Korea’s Changwon and Bupyeong plants. These models play a crucial role in the company’s operations, with U.S. exports accounting for 84% of GM Korea’s total sales. The prospect of auto tariffs, as hinted at by President Donald Trump, has raised concerns about GM Korea’s export competitiveness. GM headquarters anticipates that if these tariffs become a reality, they could face a competitive disadvantage in pricing compared to automakers like Hyundai Motor Group, which has local production facilities in the U.S. This situation has even led to speculation about GM potentially withdrawing from Korea.
There is a silver lining: Both the Trax and Trailblazer continue to post strong sales figures in the U.S. market. The Trax dominated the small SUV segment with an 11.9% market share, while the Trailblazer secured a respectable third place with a 10.4% share.
As the auto industry watches closely, the question remains: Can GM Korea maintain its position as a top global exporter as the Trax leads the charge against the uncertainty of potential U.S. tariffs?
