By Kim Tae-gyu
Staff Reporter
One in six of the best dealers of General Motors currently works at its Korean affiliate, GM Daewoo Auto & Technology, according to its in-house ceremony to praise the best-of-the best dealers dubbed ``grandmasters.''
The U.S.-headquartered automaker awarded its 180 top dealers, named General Motors International Operations (GMIO) dealers, on Saturday and 29 came from GM Daewoo, the second highest number following GM's Chinese operation.
Many senior executives participated in the grandmasters ceremony held in Shanghai including GMIO Vice President Ray Young, GM Daewoo CEO Mike Arcamone and GM Daewoo Vice President Rick LaBelle.
``This is GM's most prestigious honor for the men and women who sell our vehicles. Only a small percentage of GMIO's 5,900 dealers have earned the right to call themselves grandmasters,'' LaBelle said in a statement.
``The 29 GM Daewoo dealers have distinguished themselves with their highly recognized sales performance and know-how. With the multiple retailer system launched in January and a proud group of local dealers, GM Daewoo will continue to make a tremendous effort to increase sales and strengthen its presence in Korea,'' he added.