GM Korea Aveo / Sonic (Kalos / Gentra) History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Daewoo Kalos was introduced by GM Daewoo in September 2002, based on a new platform designed by Italdesign (Giorgetto Giugiaro's firm), replacing the earlier Lanos. It was simultaneously launched in 120 countries under seven different brand names — the Kalos name was used only in Korea and a handful of markets, while the majority of the world received it as the Chevrolet Aveo.
In South Korea a facelifted sedan version was sold as the Daewoo Gentra from 2005 through 2011, when GM Korea retired the Daewoo brand. A fully new second generation, developed by GM Korea and launched in 2011, was marketed as the Chevrolet Sonic in North America and several other key markets. Production of the second-generation car in South Korea ended in October 2020.
Generations
First generation (Kalos / T200) · Daewoo Kalos / Chevrolet Aveo
Italdesign-styled compact sold globally as the Aveo; the Korean sedan variant was badged Daewoo Gentra (2005–2011).
2005 Photo: “2005 Daewoo Kalos SX 16V 1.4 Front” by Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation (Aveo / Sonic / T300) · Chevrolet Aveo / Sonic
Fully new GM Korea-developed car sold as the Sonic in North America and as the Aveo in most other markets; production in Korea ended October 2020.
Body styles
- Hatchback
- Sedan
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