General Motors’ GMC brand will expand to China, Australia and New Zealand, according to a company press release Friday.
The brand plans to begin selling its full-size SUV, the Yukon, in China this year, followed by Australia and New Zealand in 2025. GMC said entering new global markets will bolster its operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and the Middle East.
“GMC is in the most exciting era in its history as we expect to grow competitively in our home market while venturing into new ones,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president of Buick and GMC.
GMC’s global expansion follows the launch of the Sierra light-duty pickup in South Korea last year. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its decision to export the Yukon SUV to the three countries and not other vehicles in its lineup, but the full-size SUV is one of its most profitable models.
Although GM plans to transition to electric vehicles, full-size SUVs and pickup sales still account for most of the automaker’s profits. Reuters reported last June that GM could reap tens of billion in additional profits by keeping its full-size truck and SUV lineup in production through 2035 while the automaker simultaneously carries out its electrification plans.
Sales of GMC vehicles jumped by 6.5% in 2023, which was the best overall sales performance since 2017. The brand also reported increased sales in Canada, with retail sales jumping 10% in 2023. The Yukon and Yukon XL took the crown as the best-selling full-size SUVs in Canada last year.
