GM Holden Ltd. launches its latest export vehicle, a long-wheelbase luxury sedan, in the demanding South Korean market.
To be sold as the Daewoo Veritas, the sedan is being built at GM Holden’s assembly plant in Elizabeth, South Australia, while the vehicle’s global V-6 engine is being produced at the auto maker’s engine operations facility in Port Melbourne, Victoria.
The auto maker expects the vehicle, based on the L4X concept that made its debut at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show, to redefine the premium image of a large sedan in South Korea.
“GM Holden develops its large cars to be world class, and we are seeing that paying dividends with new export programs,” GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss says. “Cars we build here in Australia are being exported to every continent except Antarctica for brands including Holden, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Vauxhall and GM Daewoo.
“With the engine in the Veritas also being built by GM Holden, it’s fair to say we are exporting the complete package.”
GM Holden says South Korean customers are discerning and have high expectations when it comes to rear passenger comfort and features. The auto maker expects the model to do very well in the market.
The Veritas boasts segment-leading legroom as well as massaging rear seats, electric-adjustable headrests and LCD screen and headset.
“(The) Veritas again proves we have the capability to design, engineer and build vehicles for a wide range of consumers and markets,” Reuss says.
Based on General Motors Corp.’s global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Veritas is powered by a 3.6L Alloytec V-6 engine and mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with fully optimized gear ratio settings, Active Select and Sport Shift.
The Australian government, desperate for some good news in the local auto industry, hailed the first shipment of 300 vehicles to South Korea as an example of the Australian car industry’s future.
Federal Trade Minister Simon Crean says the program is a significant new market opportunity and shows the need for Australia to continue negotiating a free-trade agreement with South Korea.
“Export of the Veritas shows Australian design and production capabilities enable us to compete in (South Korea), one of the toughest car markets in the world,” he says. “Australia’s economic future depends on significantly improving our export performance. This launch is an important contribution towards securing that future.”
