While Hyundai and Kia drift following the arrest of their chairman, the head of their major local rival celebrated the launch of a range of new products with a press conference with foreign media this week.
This year, GM Daewoo Automotive and Technology, acquired by General Motors in 2002 following the spectacular US$80 billion collapse of the Daewoo Group in 1999, has seen the launch of a new sedan and its first sport utility vehicle and the opening of its own diesel plant.
'The integration happened much faster than expected,' said president and chief executive Nick Reilly, citing speed to market, cost efficiencies and small car design capabilities as major strengths.
'Some of our manufacturing processes have been adopted as best practices by GM Group,' Mr Reilly added.
GM has invested three trillion won ($24.5 billion) largely in upgrading research and development and manufacturing facilities. The Inchon-based operation produces GM's Chevrolet-branded vehicles and is responsible for 32 per cent of the carmaker's exports to China. Exports have risen 300 per cent since the takeover.
Ironically, the company's success comes as its parent firm faces massive problems at home.