GM Korea Plan Provides Replacements for Accident-Damaged Vehicles

GM Korea rolls out a new vehicle-surety plan that allows a buyer to exchange his crash-damaged vehicle for a new one if an accident occurs within the first three years of purchase.

Aimed at boosting domestic sales, the Chevy Care 3.4.5 Assurance program is an enhancement of the existing policy covering routine maintenance and roadside assistance for all new Chevrolet and Alpheon (Buick LaCrosse in the U.S.) vehicles sold in Korea.

There are conditions to the damaged-vehicle exchange, however.

The customer must be 50% or less liable for the accident, and the repair cost must equal 30% or more of the vehicle’s purchase price.

The owner must have the vehicle repaired at his or an insurer’s expense at a certified Chevrolet service network facility and return it to a GM Korea dealer with a request to exchange it for a new car.

If an identical new car is not available, GM Korea will offer one that approximates the specifications and price of the damaged vehicle, a spokesman says. He does not say what GM Korea will do with repaired vehicles returned to dealers.

For the past 10 years, the auto maker has fought to establish a strong double-digit market presence, but presently holds only a 9.5% share of domestic new-vehicle sales.

The vehicle-care program is believed to be the first offered in the global automotive industry.

It was announced today as part of GM Korea’s second anniversary under its new corporate name and switch to the Chevrolet brand for the models it sells domestically.

As part of what it calls the Happy 2222 Customer Appreciation Festival, the auto maker is giving away prizes to 2,222 customers across Korea, including grand prizes of a Chevrolet Trax cross/utility and Spark small car.

GM Korea has placed touchscreen display kiosks in some of Korea’s major subway stations that promote Chevrolet vehicles and the second-anniversary activity. Special events also are being held at Chevrolet dealerships and at various centers in Seoul and other major cities.