"The new mini car platforms (those fitted with 1-liter or smaller engines) developed here in Korea will be manufactured and sold in many mature and emerging markets," says Michael Grimaldi, the new president and chief executive of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology. Grimaldi held his very first press conference at the Bupyeong plant in Seoul, Korea. He is the successor to Nick Reilly. The latter was promoted to lead the operation of General Motors in Asia-Pacific.



However, Grimaldi did not divulge any specifics on the allotted budget and manpower needed for the accomplishment of the mini car development center. Instead, he said that the next generation of vehicles will reach markets across the Asia- Pacific region and Europe within three to five years.

"Small and mini-vehicles continue to play important roles because of escalating fuel fees. Business from the future mini cars may help propel the U.S. carmaker's global market share beyond 10 percent; it is now 5 percent," added the American-born president of the company.

Based on the report of the automaker, GM mini cars including Matiz and Agila have a total of 4 million units sold around the globe. With the new architectural platform of automaker, it is expected that GM parts will be enhanced further to boost the performance and style of its vehicles.

Grimaldi also expressed the GM Daewoo's aim to overtake Kia Motors. The latter is currently holding the top 2 spot in the Korean automotive market. Grimaldi noted, "If asked I am pleased with the results GM Daewoo has created so far, I would say yes. But if asked if I am content, my answer will be an equally strong no."

As an initial step to make the goal prosper, GM Daewoo will be releasing new entries which include medium and large luxury vehicles. In addition, the automaker is also expected to reach the 1.5 million target sales for this year. Next year, it will be aiming to gain 1.8 million sales.