Daewoo Powers Through Mexican Desert to Capture First Ever Baja Victory
12 November 1999
Daewoo Powers Through Mexican Desert to Capture First Ever Baja Victory
COMPTON, Calif.--Nov. 11, 1999--With thousands of spectators cheering on, the Daewoo Korando tackled hundreds of miles of the most inhospitable Mexican desert terrain to win the Stock Mini category at the 32nd annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.A relative unknown among the field of 237 entries, the Korando powered its way through the desert trails, bouncing over ditches, catapulting over rocky mountainsides, all while battling blinding dust and extreme temperature changes. The Korando raced well into the night before receiving the checkered flag from SCORE officials to win its class. The popular race started and finished in the tiny Mexican farming village of Ojos Negros, located 24 miles east of Ensenada, Mexico.
"We knew we were taking a chance by testing the Korando against the worst conditions imaginable and against top competitors," said D.J. Lee, president of Daewoo Motor America. "But, our confidence was rewarded with our first place finish. This is a great indicator of the built in quality and toughness of the product we'll be selling next spring."
Swift Engineering, Inc., a championship-winning design engineering and fabrication firm, along with the veteran Arciero Racing Team, worked round the clock for 90 days to prepare the Korando for the grueling desert course.
"A course as challenging as the Baja 1000 would leave most vehicles in pieces," said Rich Perlman, director of manufacturing engineering, who heads Swift's racing project. "The Korando's performance and the ingenuity of our entire team proved just how tough this sport utility vehicle really is."
Driving the Korando race vehicle were Frank Arciero, Jr., his brother Albert Arciero and Tim Casey, all members of the Arciero Racing Team.
"Incredible!" said Tim Casey, veteran Stock Full and Stock Mini class championship winner. "The Korando drove remarkably well over roads that only the most experienced drivers and finest vehicles would even attempt to conquer."
The Korando will make its official U.S. debut at the 2000 Los Angeles International Auto Show. Currently available in Europe, Asia and other markets around the world, the Korando two-door Sport Utility Vehicle is anticipated to be for sale in the U.S. in Spring 2000.
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 240 locations in 43 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.