Opel and Vauxhall Versions of GMDAT Chevy-branded SUVs Slated for North America
For being formed out of the now defunct Daewoo Motor Company, GMDAT (GM-Daewoo Auto & Technology) is one of GM's most productive
marques (see Automotive News section of this site for Nov 19, 2005: Current Financial Difficulties at General Motors not to Affect Korean GMDAT Division).
The Korean-based arm of GM, co-owned with Suzuki Motor Corporation, was responsible for developing the bulk of the two automaker's Canadian compact lineup, including the Chevrolet Aveo/Pontiac Wave/Suzuki Swift+ triplets, the compact Chevrolet Optra sedan, Optra5 hatchback and Optra Wagon, and midsize Chevrolet Epica and Suzuki Verona. Some of these are Canadian-exclusive models, such as the Wave
and Swift+, Epica and Optra line, while the U.S. has a few exclusive models too, the Suzuki Reno (Optra5 in Canada), plus Forenza sedan and wagon (Optra sedan and wagon in Canada).
In Europe, where Chevrolet has only previously sold the Corvette on a regular basis, the recently launched brand name almost exclusively consists of GMDAT-designed products, with the exception of that same Corvette (which truly is a brand of its own) and Chevy Trucks. The European Chevrolet line also includes other Daewoo-designed vehicles not available in North America, including the Matiz subcompact, also sold in Mexico under the Pontiac brand, and the Tacuma mini-MPV.
For being formed out of the now defunct Daewoo Motor Company, GMDAT (GM-Daewoo Auto & Technology) is one of GM's most productive
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| The Korean-based arm of GM, co-owned with Suzuki Motor Corporation, was responsible for developing the bulk of the two automaker's compact lineup, including the Canadian-spec Optra, available in the U.S. as the Forenza. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
The Korean-based arm of GM, co-owned with Suzuki Motor Corporation, was responsible for developing the bulk of the two automaker's Canadian compact lineup, including the Chevrolet Aveo/Pontiac Wave/Suzuki Swift+ triplets, the compact Chevrolet Optra sedan, Optra5 hatchback and Optra Wagon, and midsize Chevrolet Epica and Suzuki Verona. Some of these are Canadian-exclusive models, such as the Wave
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| In Europe, GMDAT-designed products make up the majority of the Chevrolet lineup, which includes the Matiz subcompact shown first in M3X concept form. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
In Europe, where Chevrolet has only previously sold the Corvette on a regular basis, the recently launched brand name almost exclusively consists of GMDAT-designed products, with the exception of that same Corvette (which truly is a brand of its own) and Chevy Trucks. The European Chevrolet line also includes other Daewoo-designed vehicles not available in North America, including the Matiz subcompact, also sold in Mexico under the Pontiac brand, and the Tacuma mini-MPV.