GMC Touches New Grounds with Global Market Expansion, New Zealand, China, Australia

Jan 24, 2024 12:38 AM EST

WHITE VEHICLE PARKED BESIDE ROAD,GMC — (Photo : PEXELS/Wendy Wei )

GMC is set to keep its hands full with its latest venture. The automaker enters three new territories - China, New Zealand, and Australia. GMC expanding in three global markets aims to strengthen the brands' presence, create new opportunities for many, and open doors for GMC.

GMC Expansion Starts

An important GMC expansion project is being launched by General Motors Co. (GMC). China, Australia, and New Zealand are the three major international markets it is aiming for. The launch of the Yukon full-size SUV marks the start of this significant expansion. GMC is scheduled to join the Chinese automotive market in 2024, and then follow suit in Australia and New Zealand in 2025, according to the expansion plan timeline.

With the successful launch of the Sierra LD pickup truck in South Korea, GMC started a visionary expansion plan. Along with seeking new growth opportunities, GMC is aiming to attract new audiences and broaden its worldwide reach with this expansion.

As reports revealed, GMC experienced a 9% increase in its sales in the United States during the past year, with retail sales specifically rising by 6.5%. These impressive figures marked GMC's most favorable performance since 2017.

But in nations like China, where local producers are steadily taking market share because of their lower-priced operations, GMC faces fierce competition. In a statement General Motors (GM) revealed in 2020 that it will gradually cut back on its sales, engineering, and design activities in Australia and New Zealand.

This included the retirement of Holden Brand.
Additionally, according to another report, GMC achieved the delivery of 563,677 vehicles in the United States in the previous year, marking an impressive 8.9% growth. The Sierra 1500 stood out as the clear standout performer, with 189,288 units sold, closely trailed by the Sierra HD and Acadia in terms of sales volume.

GMC, Partners Make Expansion Plan into Reality

GMC's global expansion strategy calls for the start of sales in China in 2024. This will be followed by Australia and New Zealand in 2025. Furthermore, this strategic move, according to General Motors (GM), is to enhance GMC's existing operations in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East.

To pave the way for the introduction of the Yukon in China, The Durant Guild, which is General Motors' premium import division in the Asian market, is set to inaugurate showrooms and direct-to-consumer services in prominent Chinese urban centers throughout 2024.

This expansion initiative will not only make additional Chevrolet models available in China but also introduce GMC's full-size SUV to the Chinese market. GMC shared complete details about this latest venture on its website.

Sales Record, Great Way to End GMC's 2023

General Motors Co. shared its impressive sales record. It had successfully sold 2.6 million cars in 2023, a 14% rise over 2022 sales, according to the Detroit News story. This figure is in line with the company's projected numbers and comes at a time when the automotive sector is performing well overall due to increased incentives and improved supply levels.