GM To Launch Chevrolet Traverse, Colorado In Korea

At the 2019 Seoul Motor Show, General Motors announced that it will launch the Chevrolet Traverse full-size crossover and the Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup in South Korea. The automaker stated that both models represent “the best of Chevrolet’s more than 100-year heritage.”

This marks the first time in history that the Colorado and Traverse Chevrolet will be offered in South Korea, where the brand had traditionally limited its lineup to locally-manufactured “global” vehicles, although there have been several exceptions like the Camaro, Impala, and Bolt EV. With the move, Chevrolet is looking to purvey the “real American lifestyle” that South Korean consumers have not typically experienced.

“The Traverse and Colorado will play very strategic roles in Chevrolet Korea’s product lineup,” said President and CEO of GM Korea, Kaher Kazem, in a statement. “They will take us into new segments where we have never competed and will reach out to a new group of customers for the brand. These are customers who want to express their individuality and expand their lifestyle experiences with Chevrolet,” he added.

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse will arrive in South Korea as the largest and most spacious crossover in its class. It’s forecasted that the large crossover SUV segment will grow significantly in the South Korean market in the short and medium term with the introduction of the new Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride manufactured locally in the country. Chevrolet will position the Traverse as an authentic American model, backed by Chevrolet’s solid heritage in the SUV space. It’s also worth noting that the Ford Motor Company offers the Explorer full-size crossover in Korea.

Like in all other markets where it’s available, the Chevrolet Traverse for South Korea will be powered exclusively by the 3.6L LFY V6 gasoline engine. Coupled to the GM 9-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain is rated at 310 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Colorado will all but create the midsize pickup truck segment in South Korea. Neither Hyundai nor Kia offers pickups, with the SsangYong Musso being the only pickup truck sold in the country. It is likely that Chevrolet will look to spoil the arrival of the future Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup that’s scheduled to debut sometime next year.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado will be sold in Korea exclusively in the Crew Cab and Short-Box configuration, which has a sizable bed and a large interior thanks to a long generous wheelbase of 3,259 mm (128 inches). The Colorado will be equipped with the 3.6L LGZ V6 gasoline engine coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission making a maximum of 312 horsepower and up to 275 pound-feet of torque.

GM Korea confirmed that both the Chevrolet Traverse and Colorado will go on sale in Korea during the second half of this year. Both models will be imported from the United States. Pricing and configuration information will be announced closer to their arrival at South Korean Chevy dealers.

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