Daewoo to Import Custom-Made Chinese Cars in Korea

GM’s Korean subsidiary Daewoo is planning to import tailored-made vehicles for its home market from China within the next two to three years according to an announcement made by the company’s CEO, Lee Dong-ho. To make things spicier, Lee said that Daewoo will not design the cars itself, but instead it will commission medium-sized Korean firms that already design cars for Chinese carmakers to do the work.

“With help of these firms, we plan to commission production of cars that reflect the taste of Korean consumers with existing Chinese car models,” said Lee. “Just like large distributors supply goods at reduced price by creating their own brands, we can do the same thing with cars.” -Continued

Daewoo’s ultimate goal with this move is to shift the company’s current manufacturer-centred market structure into a merchandiser and consumer-centred one. In terms of what models will be imported to Korea, Lee noted that Daewoo is mainly interested in fuel-efficient small cars, minivans and large vans capable of transferring 15 or more passengers. (Pic: Carscoop)

Via: Chosun

Carscoop: Korean Car Posts and Commentators..

This is an unusual post from Carscoop but we felt that we had to say something about a series of comments that we have been receiving from an individual(s) whenever we post something about Korean cars. Being negative or sarcastic is one thing and we totally appreciate hearing your thoughts, but calling people “idiots” or saying that they are worth dying in an accident if they own a Korean car for instance, is something unacceptable on our behalf (see one of the rejected comments after the jump).

Don’t get us wrong; we support the freedom of speech with all our heart, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Your freedom stops where the other's freedom starts… -Continued

Just to get a taste fo what we're talking about, here’s one of the comments we decided to remove from our post on the Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

Anon#2: You are doing a GREAT JOB!!

Eveyone should know the truth about hyundai/kia, koreans know nothing but CHEATING,COPYING and PASTING.

I wonder what's in their brain... dog crap??

So as those ppl who said those garbages are "good"?! It's really SAD...

There should be a law: "People who have hyundai/kia, when they have accidents on the road, they should not be saved by people, they deserve to die in the accidents anyway, dont waste the resources on them please!!"

Alfa Romeo “Replica” Based On A Daewoo!

If you manage to discover which Daewoo model is hiding behind that Alfa Romeo Brera look-alike front end without cheating, then you’re certainly a candidate for our “Golden Steering-Wheel” award. Well, don’t get too excited, we’re still just a blog you know. However, you will definitely win our respect if that counts for something. Give up? It’s a…. (drums) Daewoo Cielo! In case you’re wondering WTF is a Ceilo, it’s a compact hatch based on the 90’s Opel Kadett, also known as the Daewoo Nexia, Asuna, Racer and Maepsy. Now if you excuse us, we’ll just take a few minutes off to pay a visit to the dunny and dispose our Italian grinder… -More pics after the jump

Via: Autoblog.nl

Seoul Show: Daewoo G2X aka Saturn Sky or Opel GT

Along with the Holden Statesman derived LX4, GM Daewoo also made the public debut of the road-going version of the G2X roadster which is the third interpretation (or fourth if you include the Pontiac Solstice) of the Saturn Sky rear-wheel drive roadster. Like its European counterpart the G2X gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260Hp that shoots it up to 100 km/h (62mph) from standstill in 5,5 sec and to a top speed of about 227 km/h (141mph). Full press release and a high-res image gallery after the jump (Click “Read More…” below)

Press Release: Daewoo G2X - An Exhilarating Roadster for Korea

The premiere of the unique G2X roadster a few months ahead of its domestic sales, which start in late summer, is a true highlight of this year’s Seoul Motor Show.

Its longitudinally front-installed 2.0-liter 260-hp engine with turbocharger and gasoline direct injection accelerates the roadster to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 5.5 seconds, and to a top speed of about 227 km/h.

“The G2X is a classic roadster with abundant power and breathtaking acceleration. Hence, it will offer true sports car performance and an exhilarating driving experience,” said Grimaldi. “To further strengthen the GM Daewoo brand, we will offer Korean consumers something no other Korean manufacturer has in its showroom.”

The G2X brings with it a lot of personality thanks to its exciting shape, which contrasts sharp edges with curved surfaces to create a dynamic look. With a wide stance, sleek silhouette, long front-hinged hood and short overhangs, the proportions are typical of its class.

High-tech features such as gasoline direct injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler, double camshaft phasing and twin counter-rotating balance shafts provide the basis for the 1,998-cm 3 four-cylinder engine’s impressive performance data. Maximum output of 194 kW/260 hp at 5,300 rpm and high torque plateau of 353 Nm (35.9 kh.m) between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm ensure plenty of power in all situations.

For the G2X, engineers designed a classic sporty configuration based on a rigid chassis, wide track (front/rear: 1,543/1,561 mm) and long wheelbase of 2,415 mm. All four wheels are suspended from twin A-arms made from forged aluminum, the center of gravity is low, and the weight distribution of 51:49 percent (front/rear) is well balanced.

An automatic five-speed transmission with limited slip differential efficiently provides propulsion power to the rear wheels. A torque beam between the transmission and rear axle suppresses reactions to acceleration/deceleration effects. All wheels are fitted with large disk brakes, while ABS and ESP (which, like Traction Control, can be switched off) monitor safety.

G2X Specifications

Specification

Length (mm) 4,091

Width (mm) 1,813

Height (mm) 1,273

Wheelbase (mm) 2,415

Track (mm) Front 1,543

Rear 1,560

Engine Type Four-cylinder High-tech Turbo Direct Injection

Displacement (cc) 1,998

Max. Power (hp) 260

Max. Torque (kg.m) 35.9

Technorati: Seoul+Motor+Show, Daewoo+G2X, pictures, images, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Seoul Show: Daewoo L4X aka Holden Statesman

Funny isn’t; GM takes the Aussie made and Holden Commodore based Statesman to Korea but not to the US where it could replace the Chevrolet Impala. The rear-wheel drive LX4 will be offered in Korea with Holden’s 258Hp 3.6-liter V6 matched with a 5-speed automatic transmission but not with a V8. The only significant change the Koreans made to the Statesman is the new jail-house like grille and the bird stand on the hood. -Press Release and a high-res image gallery after the jump (click “Read More”).

Press Release: Daewoo L4X - Premium Large Sedan of the Future

GM Daewoo is lifting the veil on a show car version of its much-anticipated long-wheelbase premium large sedan, the L4X.

The rear-wheel-drive product, which is close to a production version, permits a first glimpse into what GM Daewoo is pursuing as its premium large sedan. GM Daewoo’s future flagship will boast a superior level of refinement, safety and comfort features.

“The L4X exemplifies what a true premium large sedan should be. It excels in the most fundamental virtues of its segment,” said Michael Grimaldi, President and CEO of GM Daewoo. “For example, it has segment-leading interior space and rear seat comfort.”

He added, “Our latest show car is not only stylish, it also offers an array of convenience features and luxury appointments to satisfy the most sophisticated Korean consumers.”

The L4X comes with a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 powerplant that is matched with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission. The state-of-the-art alloy engine generates peak power and torque of 258 hp at 6,500 rpm and 34.7 kg.m at 3,200 rpm.

What makes the L4X stand out in terms of superior ride and handling are its sharpened chassis dynamics coupled with a longest-in-class 3,009-mm wheelbase, world-class structural stiffness and a sophisticated rear-wheel-drive system.

Its elegant exterior design, which will set it apart from other premium sedans, is characterized by a stretched silhouette and a wide stance accentuated by flared wheel arches. The longer rear doors are the key to the dramatic proportions, which are accentuated by a sweeping roofline and substantial wheel and tire package. As a result of the longest wheelbase among Korean large sedans, the wheels have been moved to the very corners of the car, making it look and perform in a stable and sporty manner.

Detail highlights include signature LED repeater lamps in the fender vents, striking LED tail lamps and bright chrome accents. Its bi-xenon headlamps and tail lamps have a high-tech, precise and almost diamond-like appearance, with finely detailed elements that make them sparkle and glisten. The bright chrome bodyside molding and chrome-highlighted door handles add a touch of sculptured elegance to the side.

The themes for the interior design are comfort, harmony, luxury and attention to detail. The L4X offers a spacious and safe passenger compartment that provides a prestigious driving environment with optimized storage, packaging and ergonomics.

To give owners second-to-none premium comfort, the production version of the new GM Daewoo flagship will feature an array of safety and convenience features, including a navigation system with Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) TV, bi-xenon headlamps, curtain air bags, tri-zone automatic temperature controls, power rear seats with three-step temperature control heating and rear-back massage, power rear-window curtains, roller blinds, a rearview camera and power-folding outside rearview mirrors.

L4X Specifications

Specification

Length (mm) 5,164

Width (mm) 1,900

Height (mm) 1,480

Wheelbase (mm) 3,009

Track (mm) Front 1,592

Rear 1,608

Engine Type V6 DOHC

Displacement (cc) 3,565

Max. Power (hp) 258

Max. Torque (kg.m) 34.7

Technorati: GM, Daewoo+LX4, Holden+Statesman, Seoul+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Daewoo G2X – GM’s Korean version of the Saturn Sky Roadster

GM’s Korean subsidiary unveiled the G2X roadster at the Busan International Motor Show (April 28 until May 7). Besides the name, the G2X is identical to the Saturn Sky Roadster & the Opel GT Roadster.

Like its American brother, the two-seater G2X features a 177 horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. Equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, the G2X hopes to attract urban drivers in the 21-35 age bracket, a marketing official at the auto show said.

Pricing details were still being set and the model is expected to hit showrooms within months, according to Korean officials.

In South Korea, some analysts say GM Daewoo is on track to unseat Kia Motors Corp. as the nation's second-largest automaker. Last year, GM Daewoo sold 1.15 million vehicles at home and abroad, compared with 1.26 million units sold by Kia Motors.

On the back of such promising results, GM Daewoo announced in March it would rehire all of the 1,725 workers laid off by their former employer, the bankrupt Daewoo Motor Co., by the end of next month.

"The greatest achievement during GM Daewoo's short history is welcoming back all of the workers that our predecessor had to let go," said Rick Labelle, vice president of GM Daewoo's commercial operations.

Technorati Tags: Daewoo+G2X, Saturn+Sky, Opel+GT, GM, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, images, pictures