'Trailblazer' Launches North America Marketing... Possible Release by End of This Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Chevrolet Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX, developed and produced by GM Korea, have begun marketing activities by displaying vehicles at some local dealerships ahead of their launch in the North American market. As GM Korea regards these two models as key to its business normalization, attention is focused on their initial sales performance.

According to industry sources on the 11th, GM Korea's Trailblazer and Encore GX have started marketing activities in preparation for their North American launch as early as the end of this month or early next month. A GM Korea official stated, "Since the end of last month, some dealerships in the North American region have been displaying the Trailblazer and Encore GX," adding, "Because the United States is vast, nationwide displays are not uniform like in Korea, and especially due to varying COVID-19 situations by region, there are differences." Additionally, the North American launch is unlikely to be nationwide as GM headquarters is reviewing various launch plans considering regional COVID-19 conditions.

The Trailblazer and Encore GX are "fraternal twin" models sharing the same platform. The Trailblazer was first launched domestically in January, but exports began together with the Encore GX in November last year. Starting with 601 units in November last year, exports increased monthly to 6,952 units in January, 10,511 units in February, and 14,897 units in March. However, exports declined from April when COVID-19 spread in the US and Europe. May exports were only 6,403 units. The rapid spread of COVID-19 in the US, which delayed the launch of the Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX, was also a cause of the export decrease.

GM Korea expects exports to recover after July, when full-scale North American sales of the Trailblazer begin. A GM Korea official said, "Production of the Trailblazer was disrupted due to parts supply issues caused by COVID-19," adding, "We expect recovery around July to August as parts supply normalizes and North American sales ramp up."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.