GM debuts Buick brand in Korea as show of commitment

General Motors (GM) Korea launched its premium auto brand Buick at an event in Seoul on Wednesday, signaling a stronger commitment to the Korean market amid persistent speculation over the carmaker's possible withdrawal from the country. The launch brings to four the number of brands GM Korea operates in Korea — Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick — as the automaker seeks to broaden its customer base. Buick’s first model for the Korean market is the Electra E7 plug-in hybrid SUV, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. “Now we are going to have four brands,” GM Korea CEO Hector Villarreal said during a media showcase. “That means we will be able to appeal to all customer segments, and with that, we are expecting better results.” “Having said that, what is important is the comfort, convenience and choices that we bring to the Korean market. This is what we are aiming for, and with the four brands, we are confident we are on the right path here,” he added. However, Villarreal declined to directly answer questions about whether GM Korea plans to allocate mo