Daewoo Debuts Its First U.S. Models At South Florida Auto Show
3 November 1998
Daewoo Debuts Its First U.S. Models At South Florida Auto Show; New U.S. Car Company Makes Inaugural Auto Show Appearance; Focuses On Consumer-Direct Sales and Value Pricing
COMPTON, Calif.-- Nov. 2, 1998--The highly anticipated entry of Daewoo Motor America (DMA) into the U.S. consumer auto marketplace is expected to cause numerous traffic jams around the South Korean automaker's auspiciously numbered Booth 1 in the Miami Beach Convention Center from Nov. 6-15.
Showgoers who visit the Daewoo booth will be among the first members of the public to view the company's initial U.S. models -- from the stylish, sporty Lanos and the spacious, comfortable Nubira models to the elegant, powerful and luxurious Leganza.
To add to the excitement, showgoers will be treated to Daewoo's "First Look" interactive light, sound and video extravaganza and have the opportunity to win a 3-day test drive and 3 day/2 night stay at the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa in Key West, Fla.
Consumers can enter the contest at DMA's booth at the auto show or at Daewoo of Pompano Beach, 744 N. Federal Highway in Pompano Beach, Fla. Three winners will be selected at random from all eligible entries received by Nov. 15, 1998. The drawing will take place on or before Nov. 20, 1998.
Striving to become the "most consumer-focused car company" in the United States, Daewoo Motor America has developed one of the most comprehensive consumer benefits packages available from any auto manufacturer for this class of cars.
This package revolves around Daewoo's revolutionary and bold concept of selling "directly to consumers" through company-owned retail stores, strong marketing of its vehicles by Daewoo Campus Advisors at some 400 American colleges and universities -- including several in the Greater Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area -- and use of the Internet to familiarize consumers with the company and its product line.
Three of Daewoo's first 15 stores are located in Florida, including one at 744 N. Federal Highway in Pompano Beach. Store manager Phil Bradley and his staff invite showgoers to drop by and test-drive any of the three Daewoo models they have seen at the Auto Show. The store's telephone number is 954/942-5622.
The Daewoo Motor America hassle-free buying concept features its exclusive "one price/no hassle policy." At Daewoo stores, consumers will not find commissioned salespeople, high-pressure tactics or the need to haggle over price. Instead, customers will experience a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and find all the tools they need to determine the value of buying a Daewoo for themselves.
Daewoo car ownership also includes complete free, "Just Add Gas" scheduled maintenance in addition to a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty, and 24-hour roadside assistance over the same period.
The process leading to Daewoo's U.S. introduction of its line of high-quality, affordably priced cars was truly global. All three models were developed by an international design team led by Daewoo's Pupyong Technical Center in South Korea with support from Daewoo's Worthing Technical Center in the United Kingdom and the Daewoo Technical Center in Munich, Germany.
In addition, famed design house Ital-Design in Italy was involved in the styling, and Porsche Engineering and Lotus Engineering were involved with suspension and handling. All three cars are manufactured at Daewoo's modern assembly plants in South Korea.
Daewoo's flagship car -- the Leganza -- comes in a 4-door sedan style with a 2.2-liter, 16-valve dual overhead cam engine and 4-wheel disc brakes. It ranges in price from $14,540 for a 5-speed manual SE to $18,660 for a fully loaded 4-speed CDX.
There are three body styles of the Daewoo Nubira from which to choose -- 4- and 5-door sedans and a station wagon. This model features a 2.0 liter double overhead cam D-TEC engine and 4-wheel disc brakes. Prices range from $12,250 for an SX to $14,960 for a CDX.
The compact Lanos model can be purchased in either a 4-door sedan or 3-door hatchback version. It has a 1.6 liter double overhead cam E-TEC engine and a front disc, rear drum braking system. Lanos models start at $8,749 for a Lanos S, to $12,519 for a well-equipped Lanos SX.
All models offer a choice of 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions and have power-assisted rack and pinion steering.
Consumers who want more information about Daewoo's line of U.S. automobiles can visit one of its "actual" showrooms or its "virtual" showroom by logging on the Internet to www.daewoous.com.
Daewoo Motor America Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of South Korea's Daewoo Group. Founded in 1967 by Kim Woo-Choong as a small textile exporter, Daewoo has grown to become a global company with 1997 sales of $71.5 billion, placing Daewoo 18th in the most recent Fortune 500 ranking of companies worldwide.
In addition to its international automotive operations, Daewoo is engaged in trading; domestic and overseas construction; shipbuilding; and the manufacturing of heavy equipment, consumer electronics, home appliances, textiles and other products. Daewoo also has investments in financial and telecommunications services, and operates hotels worldwide.
