Section: Daewoo

GM May Produce ‘Micro-premium’ Car

Written By: Dustin P. Walsh

Filed Under: Cadillac, Concept Cars, Daewoo, Future Vehicles, General Motors, Opel/Vauxhall January 11th, 2008 4:30 PM 13 Comments

Business Week reported that GM is considering a project dubbed the “micro-premium car”.

It is possible that GM will use a platform from one of the three Korean-engineered (Daewoo) mini cars it showcased at April’s New York Auto Show - like the Chevy Beat. But, as Business Week reported, those platforms may not offer the kind of ride American consumers would expect out of a high-priced model. Other options include using the Opel platform or a new rear-wheel platform.

Revised Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) fleet standards are just around the bend, so this may be GM’s attempt to curb its future numbers.

GM’s tiny-sized wonder would square off against the Mini Cooper, Audi A3, and the BMW 1-Series. There was no mention under what brand the small auto would fall under. Any takers on a mini-sized Cadillac?

Let us know in comments.

+ Business Week: Gentlemen, Downsize Your Engines

GM Pondering Korean-Built Minicars For North America?

Written By: Chris Paukert

Filed Under: Concept Cars, Daewoo, Economy Cars, Environmental/Green, Future Vehicles, General Motors, Hatchbacks, New York Auto Show, Trends July 31st, 2007 6:23 PM 14 Comments

Perhaps confirming what we already knew, General Motors is officially admitting that it is taking a long, hard look at offering an Asian-sourced minicar in North America.

General Motors tested the city car waters with a trio of concepts at the New York Auto Show, and its Korean partner Daewoo has apparently been charged with building its new mini cars over the next “couple of years.” Whether they will make it to North America remains something of an open question, but with increasing federal and societal pressures to “go green,” a small car for America and Canada is very much on the table.

+ The Car Connection: GM May Bring Over Korean Minicars

GM’s Holden Commodore Headed To Korea As Daewoo LX4

Written By: Chris Paukert

Filed Under: All News, China, Daewoo, General Motors, Misc. Auto Shows, Sedans, Trends April 6th, 2007 11:11 AM 12 Comments

We still can’t get a Holden Caprice in North America, but General Motors says the big sedan is headed to Korea, rebadged as the Daewoo LX4.

In news announced at the Seoul Motor Show, the left-hooker will be built alongside its Holden kin in South Australia, and will only be available in long-wheelbase form powered by a 3.6-liter V-6. Unlike the Caprice, however, the Daewoo will be pitched as an upmarket limo-like option, complete with options like massaging rear seats, power rear-window curtains, and power-fold side mirrors.

(Click through to the jump for more images and GM’s official press release)

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Seoul On A Roll: GM Gives Kappa To Daewoo

Written By: Chris Paukert

Filed Under: All News, China, Convertibles, Daewoo, General Motors, Misc. Auto Shows, Sports/GTs, Trends April 5th, 2007 6:30 PM 6 Comments

General Motors is issuing another Kappa roadster. First came the Pontiac Solstice, then the Saturn Sky, and then Opel got in the act with the GT. Now, GM is rolling out the Daewoo G2X for the Korean market. The Sky-doppelganger made its debut at this week’s Seoul Motor Show, and it will be available solely in 2.0-liter turbocharged, 260-horsepower form.

Curiously, the G2X won’t find its way into showrooms until the end of this summer.

(Click through to the jump for more images, along with GM’s press release)

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Daewoo founder gets ten years in prison

Written By: Reilly

Filed Under: AUTOMAKERS, Daewoo May 30th, 2006 9:31 AM 1 Comment

Kim Woo Choong, Chairman and founder of the Daewoo Group, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison and ordered to forfeit 21.4 trillion won ($22.6 Billion USD) for fines and fees.
One of the first feature-length articles I ever wrote was a piece for Automobile Magazine about the launch of Daewoo’s vehicles in the U.S. market. At the time, Chairman Kim was regarded as a legend in South Korea and while the company’s financials were murky at best, company men said openly that all the figures of the company were located “in Chairman Kim’s head.” They literally believed that the man was a god and a supercomputer all in one.

It would appear now that Chairman Kim’s head was $22.6 Billion off and then some. I met Chairman Kim once and he offered me a cigarette. Kim, babe, you’re going to need all the cigarettes you can get. Please send us your mailing address and we’ll send you a box of Kools (on us).
– Reilly Brennan