GM KILLS DAEWOO BRAND IN SOUTH KOREA

In a move designed to enhance its presence in Korea and to bolster its domestic sales operations, GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. (GM Daewoo) announced today that it is replacing the current nameplate with the world’s fastest growing automotive brand, Chevrolet. All of the company’s new product introductions and refreshments this year will be under the Chevrolet badge.

Additionally, GM Daewoo announced that it will be changing its company name to GM Korea Co., which is globally consistent with all other GM country operations. The company name change is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter.

“This important new brand strategy is designed to strengthen our commitment to the Korean market, recognizing it as one of the strongest performing countries within GM’s global operations. We are well positioned to bring one of the world’s iconic brands to Korea,” said Mike Arcamone, President and CEO of GM Daewoo.  “We cannot afford to sit still, and instead, choose to make a bold move with the launch of Chevrolet in Korea.”

GM’s market research overwhelmingly points to consumer acceptance of the Chevrolet brand in Korea. “This new growth opportunity will allow us to compete in brand new segments and offer our customers more choices than ever before, resulting in a strong future for our company, our employees and our sales agents,” said Arcamone. 

This year, the company will begin its most aggressive vehicle launch plan in its history and will have an all-new product lineup with the introduction of eight new models in 2011 under one brand platform, Chevrolet. The company’s new and exciting product portfolio includes the Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Orlando, the Chevrolet Aveo global small car, as well as a new SUV and a new premium midsize sedan.

 “Not only are we giving Korean consumers more vehicle choices than ever before, but in order to ensure Chevrolet’s long-term success in the domestic market, we are totally redesigning our dealerships, A/S networks and sales networks so that customers will be able to enjoy Chevrolet’s award-winning dealership experience and service,” said Arcamone. “Our main goal is to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.”

This next step of its evolution recognizes the company’s rich heritage and GM’s commitment to Korea which is one of GM’s primary production and engineering operations in the world. “Our sales increased 20% last year, our domestic market share increased double-digits and our exports soared 35%,” said Arcamone. “We are able to make this bold, strategic move to Chevrolet because of the hard work and dedication of our 17,000 employees, which has unflinchingly focused on increasing our domestic market share and supporting Chevrolet’s global growth in our export markets.”

According to GM, a Chevrolet is sold somewhere in the world every 7.4 seconds. Last year, more than 4.25 million Chevrolets were sold around the globe, and currently one out of every four Chevrolet vehicles is manufactured in Korea. 

In step with its new brand strategy, GM Daewoo is changing its corporate name to GM Korea Co. This morning, the GM Daewoo Board of Directors, factoring in the best interests of the company, its employees, shareholders, dealers and suppliers, approved the new company name. The current GM Korea will keep its name, GM Korea Ltd., and its focus will remain on the Cadillac brand.

 “Changing our corporate name will increase our standing within GM globally while demonstrating our commitment to growing locally,” said Arcamone. “With the significant changes that we are announcing today, our goal is to increase our domestic sales and market share, generate additional revenue, strengthen our relationship with the customers, create new jobs and expand our presence in Korea. We regard these moves as a key to our long-term success and fundamentally believe they will also bring added benefits to our customers and the Korean economy.” 

Founded in 1911 and named after famous, Swiss-born race car driver Louis Chevrolet, Chevrolet is one of GM’s four core brands and its largest brand. Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary this year marks the continuous success of the brand with more than 4.2 million global sales in 130 countries around the world in 2010.  The Chevrolet brand constitutes 53 percent of GM’s business.

GM Daewoo played a lead role in the design, engineering and manufacturing of the Chevrolet Cruze global compact sedan, the new Chevrolet Spark global mini-car, and the new Chevrolet Aveo global small car.

“Chevrolet has enjoyed success in mature markets in North America and Europe, as well as in emerging markets like Asia Pacific, Africa and Latin America” said Arcamone. “We are confident our customers in Korea will embrace Chevrolet as well.”

STORY BY GENERAL MOTORS