General Motors Korea has introduced the first hybrid vehicle in its segment in Korea, the Alpheon Assist. It achieves a remarkable improvement in fuel economy of 25 per cent compared to the standard Alpheon model. The vehicle, which also reduces CO2 emissions by 22 per cent, will be the first hybrid car from the company. It features a 2.4-litre spark ignition direct injection engine supplemented by a small lithium-ion battery pack and a 17.6kW electric motor generator. Its fuel economy is 33.2mpg.
To add to its green features, the GM Alpheon eAssist will also include an ECO gauge on the instrument panel which responds to driver behaviour and helps achieve maximum efficiency. It’s not just an economical vehicle, however it’s a safe one too. It has received the maximum five stars in KNCAP’s frontal crash test; offset frontal crash test; side crash test; and whiplash test. General Motors Korea is currently the third largest automotive company in the country and operates five manufacturing facilities in Korea as well as an assembly facility in Vietnam. During 2010 it sold more than 1.84 million vehicles.
