---

Korando SUV Set for Baja Challenge

2 November 1999

Korando SUV Set for Baja Challenge

    COMPTON, Calif., Nov. 1 -- All revved up and set to go!  The
Daewoo Korando is ready to kick up some dust at the 32nd annual SCORE Baja
1000 on November 4-6.  At its first North American showing, the new SUV will
take on more than 670 miles of grueling Mexican desert terrain in a race that
lures the best off-road racers from every corner of the globe.
    In just 78 days, Swift Engineering, Inc., a championship-winning design
engineering and fabrication firm, has prepared the Korando and its chase
vehicles for the hazard-strewn off-road race.  Aside from the addition of
racing tires, and wheels, and new shocks and springs, a roll cage, racing
seats and harnesses, and five top mounted halogen lights, the vehicle has
undergone only minor changes in preparation for the Baja 1000.  The engine
itself, a high torque 3.2-liter, 225 horsepower, inline 6-cylinder with a
4-speed automatic transmission remains in its original form.
    "The Baja 1000 is a punishing course that takes on some of the worst
conditions possible," said Rich Perlman, director of manufacturing
engineering, who heads Swift's racing project.  "Starting with a vehicle as
versatile and durable as the Korando, made our job go very smoothly.  We are
confident that the Korando is in the best possible condition step up to this
awesome challenge and make it all the way."
    Driving for Team Daewoo are 20-year racing veterans and off-road
champions, Frank Arciero, Jr., his brother, Albert Arciero, and Tim Casey.
    "We're ready!  The Korando is ready!" said Frank Arciero, Jr.  "We will be
competing with the elite of desert racing and expect to be right in the thick
of the action."
    Daewoo Motor America sells the subcompact Lanos, the compact Nubira and
the mid-size luxury sedan Leganza through an expanding network of retail
outlets nationwide.  Currently, there are more than 200 locations in
42 states.
    Daewoo Motor America, Inc. is based in Compton, CA, and is the U.S.
subsidiary of Daewoo Motor headquartered in Seoul, Korea.  Daewoo Motor
operates 18 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries and has sales operations
in more than 180 countries.