GM Korea to unveil new Malibu sedan at Frankfurt Motor Show

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- GM Korea Co., the South Korean unit of U.S. automaker General Motors Co., said Wednesday that it plans to unveil its new mid-size Malibu sedan at the Frankfurt International Motor Show set to kick off next month. The Frankfort exhibition that begins on Sept. 13 and runs through Sept. 25 is held biennially in the German city and is one of the largest motor shows in the world. The carmaker said the new vehicle, which will be sold both domestically and in Europe, features a fuel efficient, high powered four-cylinder Ecotec gasoline engine connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. "The car will have an impressive exterior, good passenger safety and comfort features, and excellent handling characteristics," the company said. The Malibu will be the largest size car of the seven new vehicles that GM wants to introduce in the European market using its Chevrolet brand. The carmaker said that the sedan will be made at its Bupyeong plant west of Seoul with domestic sales to take place in the second half. Sales in the European market are expected for early 2012.