GM unveils electric car

By Kim Tae-gyu

GM Daewoo Auto & Technology, one of the major automakers here as an affiliate of General Motors, took the wraps off the prototype of the Lacetti Premiere electric vehicle (EV), known as the Chevrolet Cruz outside of Korea.

The Seoul-based company said Sunday that the model can run up to 160 kilometers without charging at a maximum speed of 165 kilometers per hour, the best of its kind developed in Korea.

Starting next month, GM Daewoo plans to test drive the models in Seoul, which have been developed together with such global powerhouses as GM, LG Chem and LG Electronics.

``Unlike the low-speed and small electric vehicles previously developed in Korea, the Lacetti Premiere EV is the first compact sedan-size electric vehicle that can run at various speeds,’’ a GM Daewoo representative said.

``The new model is built up on teamwork involving a set of advanced technology. LG Chem worked on the battery while LG Electronics took charge of the propulsion system.’’

GM Daewoo CEO Mike Arcamone and LG Chem Vice Chairman Kim Bahn-suk also praised the teamwork.

``This is a strong partnership between two companies focused on leading the development of eco-friendly electric vehicles,’’ said Mike Arcamone, who took charge of GM Daewoo last year.

``With the Lacetti Premiere EV demo fleet, along with other initiatives, we are confident that GM Daewoo will play a leading role in the domestic electric vehicle market.’’

Kim concurred: ``Expanding the domestic electric vehicle market carries significant meaning for collaboration between GM Daewoo and LG Chem. We have forged a strong partnership with GM, and now we look forward to doing the same with GM Daewoo in our home country.’’